Director, Global Total Rewards

Job Description:

Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative, and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance-based annual bonuses, stock options, and training opportunities. 

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better. 

The Role:
Rakuten Kobo Inc. is looking for a talented HR professional ready to take the next step in their career as a Director, Global Total Rewards within our Employee Experience team in our John Street office in Toronto. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Human Resources, you will lead the Total Rewards function, including compensation, benefits, payroll and equity/stock program.

The Person:
Applying your expertise, you will provide a consultative service to help develop and design Total Rewards strategies within Rakuten’s Total Rewards framework to attract, retain, and engage talent. You excel in a dynamic team environment and enjoy tackling challenges. You value collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning.

If you are passionate about the role you can play in delivering a best-in-class employee experience, Rakuten Kobo is the place for you!

Here’s what we are looking for:

Knowledgeable: You have significant experience (typically 7-10 years or equivalent) managing compensation, payroll, and benefits programs. You are familiar with the tech sector, global compensation market trends, and are eager to learn, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality results.

Advisor: You will review and govern our Total Rewards programs to ensure continued equity, alignment and competitiveness as a leading technology-focused company and look for ways to continually enhance the rewards experience.  

Organized: You are impeccably organized with the ability to prioritize and multi-task to meet complex demands and competing deadlines. You are detail-oriented and able to execute on deliverables with a high degree of accuracy.

The Responsibilities:

• Become the subject matter expert on the company’s stock option plan (from grant, exercise, and sale steps, to tax requirements and training employees on the program).
• Manage group benefits plans and renewals globally.
• Manage annual bonus, merit, and promotion/equity processes.
• Liaise with the Rakuten Global Rewards team for market assessments and job leveling.
• Analyze headcount, turnover, and equity data, and prepare reports.
• Prepare payroll reports and files for month-end accounting close with the Finance team.
• Provide guidance and advice to HR and business leaders relating to benefits, compensation, and market analysis.
• Oversee and approve payroll globally (Canada, USA, and various European countries).
• Lead, mentor, and guide the Total Rewards team.

As the Director, Global Total Rewards, you will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience. CPP, CHRL, and PCP Designation are assets but not required.
• Significant experience in a Total Rewards capacity (typically 7-10 years or equivalent).
• Functional experience with salary benchmarking and job evaluation.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong planning and analytical skills, with advanced mastery of Excel.
• Innovative problem solver who questions complicated situations and looks for ways to improve processes.
• A customer service approach with the ability to engage and collaborate with employees at all levels.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS required; Ceridian Dayforce and Workday experience are assets.
• A proactive mindset with a willingness to take on new responsibilities and grow in a dynamic environment.
• Relevant tech sector experience is an asset.

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and remote working environment 
• 4 extended summer long weekends 
• Full benefits starting from your first day 
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching 
• Monthly commuting allowance for hybrid employees 
• Flexible health spending account 
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook 
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions 
• Maternity/paternity leave top-up 
• 90 Day Work from Anywhere program 
• Daily lunch credit when in-office and in-office snacks 
• Dog-friendly office 

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.:

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global e-commerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million+ customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies. 

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. 

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role; however, only qualified candidates will be shortlisted. 

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