Description
Overview:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a leading U.S. Department of Energy national lab, advances scientific discovery and national security. We are seeking a Total Rewards Manager (Head of Total Rewards) to lead and execute the Laboratory’s compensation, benefits, wellness, and recognition strategy. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this senior leader will shape policy, guide enterprise-wide programs, and drive strategic initiatives that align Total Rewards with evolving workforce needs and talent strategy. The position requires strong collaboration across the organization and plays a critical part in anticipating workforce trends and positioning PNNL as an employer of choice in a highly competitive scientific and national security market. This position is based on-site in Richland, WA.
Responsibilities:
- Establish the Laboratory-wide Total Rewards strategy aligned to mission, talent, and financial objectives.
- Provide strategic counsel to the CHRO, Laboratory Director, and senior executives on compensation and benefits policy and emerging workforce issues.
- Anticipate shifts in labor markets, legislation, and mission priorities to develop proactive solutions.
- Align programs across multiple directorates to ensure equity, competitiveness, and scalability.
- Partner with Battelle Corporate, DOE Site Offices, and inter-laboratory forums to influence rewards policy and resolve complex issues.
- Oversee design and administration of laboratory-wide compensation structures and benefits programs (health and welfare, retirement, wellness, etc.) that are mission-driven and workforce-focused.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory frameworks (e.g., FLSA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, 409A) and DOE directives.
- Integrate benefits strategy as a core driver of recruitment, retention, and workforce engagement.
- Manage Total Rewards budgets and vendor contracts; measure ROI and ensure cost-effective delivery.
- Lead negotiations and partnerships with external providers to maintain high quality and value.
- Develop strategies to clearly communicate complex Total Rewards policies, including DOE, Battelle, and federal compliance requirements to foster trust and understand across the Laboratory.
- Demonstrate strong partnership with HR senior leaders to design and implement solutions that support the Laboratory’s people strategy, align Total Rewards programs with lab-wide workforce initiatives, and drive collaboration across HR functions.
Skills & Competencies:
- Visionary leader with ability to anticipate workforce trends and shape future-oriented rewards strategies.
- Skilled at navigating DOE directives, FAR/DEAR compliance, and cost allowability standards unique to national labs.
- Influential communicator adept at negotiating with senior internal and external stakeholders, including Battelle Corporate and DOE Site Offices.
- Strong analytical and financial skills; balances competitiveness, equity, and fiscal stewardship.
- Strong collaborator skilled at engaging leadership and cross-functional teams to advance initiatives.
For more information, and/or to apply, please visit: https://careers.pnnl.gov/
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of relevant experience, or
- Master’s degree and 13 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Extensive experience leading Total Rewards functions and advising senior executives.
- Deep expertise in DOE directives, FAR/DEAR regulations, and federal contractor compliance frameworks governing compensation, benefits, and workforce policies in a national laboratory setting.
- Recognized expertise in both compensation and benefits strategy, including health, retirement, and wellness programs.
- Proven success managing large budgets, multi-state programs, and high-impact vendor relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate scientific mission priorities with competitive labor market strategies.
- Experience with Oracle and position management frameworks.
