Director of Compensation and Benefits

Who We Are :

Challenge’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility.

We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge.

Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program.

This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge.

Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

Together we own Safety! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want :

The Director of Compensation and Benefits should have a servant leader mentality with strong organizational skills. They will report to the VP of Human Resources, and they will be the key leader in the design, implementation, and management of employee compensation and benefits programs, ERISA and other regulatory compliance matters, and unemployment administration.

The ideal candidate will bring passion and positivity with a strategic and solution-focused mindset. They will also have an in depth understanding of FMLA and administration of employee leaves of absence.

This person will thrive in a fast paced rapidly growing environment with a strong ability to work independently on a broad variety of projects.

What You'll Do :

• Establish SOP, maintain, review, and audit payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of monthly, bi-weekly and any off-cycle payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes and other deductions.
• Collaborate with benefits vendors and brokers to manage benefit offerings, ensuring comprehensive affordable coverage for our employees.
• Streamline and document procedures to make sure that all processes related to payroll and benefits are understood and followed by all field personnel.
• Stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll wage and hour laws and best practices.
• Run reports that summarize earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and non-taxable wages.
• Utilize data and analytics to assess the effectiveness of total compensation and benefits programs.
• Protect payroll and benefits operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain, document, and manage systems related to time and attendance, FMLA, short / long-term disability and other leaves of employment..
• Establish SOP, maintain, and review policies and procedures related to all fleet vehicles, including ordering replacements, monitoring usage and maintaining quality of all vehicles.
• Maintain, audit and report on all benefits related retirement benefits for employees, including 401(k) and Roth accounts.
• Collaborate with other HR functions, Finance, and Senior Leadership to align strategies with overall business goals.
• Utilize continuous improvement processes to assure that all processes and experiences for the employee is as positive and engaging as possible.
• Develop change and communication strategies to effectively communicate all relevant programs to employees
• Manage unemployment cases and represent the Company during hearings.

When and Where :

This will be an 830-5PM M-F position located at our Corporate Office in Walker, MI.

What You Need to Have :

• Minimum of 10 years’ Human Resources experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in employee benefits and compensation as a key decision-maker required
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field required
• Experience working in the automotive industryis preferred
• Strong working knowledge of state and federal regulations related to compensation, benefits, leave of absence, and unemployment
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and manage change
• Proven experience in managing large-scale projects and delivering within budget and schedule
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction, navigate complex business environments and build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Passion for customer and company success
• Positive team player
• Thrives in a hands-on environment
• Self-motivated and solution focused
• Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes
• Demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Has high standards of performance for self
• 25% overnight travel required

What We Offer :

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life, Voluntary Life and LTD, Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, Referral Bonus Program, Challenge Incentive Program, and paid time off.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.