California Water Service
Job Description:
The Director of Compensation & Benefits/Total Rewards serves as a key member of the senior HR leadership team working collaboratively with the Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer, the Chaiman & Chief Executive Officer, and peers to establish HR strategy supporting the overall business, respond to issues, and enhance the HR function. The Director of Compensation & Benefits/Total Rewards is responsible for overseeing, evaluating, developing, and implementing benefit, compensation, and rewards programs; providing strategic direction in total rewards philosophy and developing initiatives, processes, and operational plans. This position is located in San Jose, California.
Essential Job Functions
- Develops, executes, and communicates key benefits and compensation programs including compensation, health and wellness, retirement, workers compensation, and leaves of absence plans
- Ensures benefit programs support the Company’s strategic objectives and are cost effective; recommends changes and improvements to benefits and compensation plans
- Leads, develops, and mentors staff, fostering their growth and development, and ensuring they provide high-quality support to the organization
- Direct and oversees analysis of market data, updating of salary structures, and participation in salary surveys
- Oversees merit increase and incentive/at risk pay programs, including merit budget analysis and recommendations
- Supports union wage and benefit negotiations for contract renewals or newly created/bargained positions
- Supports preparation of annual proxy disclosures
- Supports the CHRO, Chief Executive Officer, and the Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors with analysis and review of executive compensation data/materials
- Manages the relationship and performance of brokers, consultants, vendors, and contractors
- Support the Employee Benefits Finance Committee in the fulfillment of its responsibilities
- Oversees all benefits related compliance matters including, Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other federal laws and regulations impacting benefits; regulatory filings, and plan audits
Critical Success Factors in Year One
- Conduct a holistic review of current compensation and benefits programs and recommend enhancements to align with California Water Service Group’s strategic direction
- Establish strong relationships with senior leadership, HR partners, and key stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure the effectiveness of total rewards programs
- Successfully support union negotiations related to compensation and benefits while aligning union strategies with the overall business objectives
- Develop a long-term roadmap for total rewards that includes competitive benchmarking, cost control, and employee engagement strategies
Experience and Professional Qualifications
- Significant experience leading a compensation/benefits organization for a medium to large size organization in the private or public sector, with an emphasis on delivering excellent customer service
- Five or more years of progressive experience in a management capacity, prior experience as a Human Resources Manager or Business Partner, preferred
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate, design and implement total rewards programs based on market assessment and business strategy
- Strong team building and change management skills; ability to engage various audiences and cultivate effective relationships at all levels of employees and management
- Strong communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills to work with agencies, contractors, consultants, customers, employees, and vendors
- Expert analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, draw insights, and make data-driven recommendations
- Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and integrity
- Extensive knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and legislation
- High degree of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and complex software applications, including Workday
- Hands-on, Classification, Job Architecture, and Compensation design and benchmarking; ideally applicable for utility environment
- Prefer experience with Pension administration, multi-state Payroll, , Union relations, Utility industry
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field and/or equivalent relevant experience required; MBA preferred
Salary Range: $190,000 - $250,000
Deadline to submit resume is Wednesday, October 21, 2026
