Manager, HR Compensation and Benefits

Hybrid Remote- Jersey Shore/ Central, NJ

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Playa Bowls is New Jersey's Original Acai Shop, and our mission is to bring superfruit bowls to the masses using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients while providing a fantastic in-store brand experience. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge has flourished into a 250 unit operator and franchisor of the leading fast casual restaurant concept. Playa Bowls added more than 70 locations in 2024 and are on target to add as many 90 new locations in 2025. Our continued rapid growth has created the opportunity for an individual who will help us with continuing to grow our brand!

Playa Bowls offers Competitive Compensation, Eligible for the Annual Bonus Program, Flexible Hybrid-Remote Work-Environment, Medical, Dental, Vision, Domestic Partner Benefits, Spouse & Children Benefits, 401K Plan with company match, Health Savings Account, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flight/Hotels paid for, Incentive Bonus Plan, Mileage Reimbursement, Cell Phone Stipend, Corporate Credit Card provided.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

As Playa Bowls continues to grow rapidly, we need a Compensation & Benefits Manager to lead and enhance our total rewards strategy, ensuring we attract and retain top talent in a competitive market. A critical role in our HR team, the Compensation & Benefits Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing compensation structures, benefits programs, and compliance efforts. This individual will work closely with the VP of HR to ensure our pay and benefits remain competitive while supporting general HR functions and cross-training to bolster the department’s effectiveness.

WHO YOU ARE

You’re not just a Compensation & Benefits Manager—you’re a total rewards guru who thrives on making work a place where people feel valued and rewarded. You geek out over data and industry trends, but you also know how to make compensation strategies engaging and accessible for everyone. You love a fast-paced environment where collaboration is key, and you take pride in helping employees feel appreciated through competitive pay and awesome benefits. If you're passionate about numbers, people, and making a difference, we want you on our team! Experience in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry is a huge plus, as we aim to stay competitive in this fast-paced and ever-evolving space.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop, implement, and maintain competitive compensation structures, including salary ranges and incentive plans
• Conduct regular compensation, benchmarking, and market analysis to ensure Playa Bowls remains competitive within the QSR and fast-casual industry
• Manage benefits administration, including open enrollment, new hire benefits orientation, and compliance with ACA and ERISA
• Be a subject matter expert on the 401(k) enrollments for team members
• Partner with HR leadership to create total rewards strategies that enhance employee engagement and retention
• Evaluate and recommend salary adjustments, bonuses, and incentives based on performance and market conditions
• Oversee job evaluation processes to ensure internal equity and competitive external positioning
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation and benefits regulations
• Provide regular reporting and analysis of compensation data and make data-driven recommendations for compensation strategies, insight and adjustments
• Provide regular reporting and analysis of compensation data and make data-driven recommendations for compensation strategies, insight and adjustments
• Support the development of communication strategies to educate team members on compensation and benefits offerings
• Assist with HRIS reporting or maintenance of data integrity
• Perform general HR functions as needed and cross-train to support other areas

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration or Management, Finance, or a related field or relative work experience
• 5 years of managerial experience in compensation and benefits, preferably in a multi-unit business environment
• Must have restaurant experience or franchise experience in the food and beverage industry
• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) preferred
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and compliance requirements related to employee compensation and benefits
• Strong understanding of compensation structures, benefits programs, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) or similar HRIS platforms is a plus
• Proficiency in Excel, including data analysis and reporting
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to work at a desk and use a computer for extended periods
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift materials up to 15 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment

Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.