Total Rewards Generalist

At OceanFirst Bank, each one of our employees plays an important role in delivering value to our customers and executing daily tasks in accordance with our core values. We recognize that our employees are essential to our success, making OceanFirst a great place to work and do business. Great benefits include: on-site fitness facility at Red Bank and Toms River headquarter offices, employee perks & discount programs, tuition assistance, incentive compensation program, professional development opportunities, and more! Apply today to #BecomeOceanFirst and make an impact in the local community! About Your Role The Total Rewards Generalist is an integral member of the Total Rewards team (Benefits, Compensation, HRIS and Payroll) within Human Resources. This position is responsible for benefit program management, payroll processing activities, compensation support and data management. This position also implements policies and programs Relative To Benefits, Payroll And Compensation Functions. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Provide strategic, hands‑on support to the Total Rewards team, ensuring all activities are fully aligned with company policies, business goals, and organizational objectives. As directed, administer and provide on-going management for the total rewards programs, including payroll, Health And Welfare Benefits, Retirement Plans, And Compensation. Perform benefits administration including but not limited to enrollments, qualifying life events, and leave of absence administration. Manage annual open enrollment processes, develop employee communications and wellness program initiatives. Independently make routine operational decisions impacting Total Rewards programs, applying policy, precedent, and professional judgment to ensure accurate and timely outcomes. Serve as the accountable owner of the Total Rewards audits (both internal and external) overseeing data collection, communication, organization and follow-up across benefits and payroll programs to ensure compliance, accuracy, and risk mitigation. Manage the audit engagement process for the retirement plans. Perform vendor management responsibilities pertaining to benefits, payroll and compensation vendors. Prepare routine and ad hoc reports related to compensation, payroll, and benefits. Assist with Total Rewards' project plan deliverables related to mergers and acquisitions. Own and execute thorough audits of employee records across HRIS and benefits systems, ensuring uncompromising data integrity and compliance standards. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to compensation, payroll and benefits (e.g., FLSA, SS/FICA, state/local taxes, ERISA, ACA, COBRA). Triage, research, and resolve issues, escalating complex cases as appropriate. Partner with payroll, HRIS, finance, and vendors to ensure accurate processing, reporting, and issue resolution. Respond expeditiously to benefit inquiries from employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, leave of absence inquiries, status changes, and other general inquiries related to payroll and compensation. Deliver a positive employee experience through responsive, accurate, and service-oriented support. Collaborate with other members of the HR team to ensure consistent application of total rewards programs and policies. Provide clear, consistent guidance to employees while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. What We Expect Of You Strong knowledge of human resource management, including benefits administration, payroll, and compensation. General knowledge of federal and state labor laws. Analytical ability sufficient to anticipate or resolve problems and complications in benefit program and payroll administration. Ability to balance priorities, meet tight deadlines, and coordinate details required to effectively administer programs. Strong data analysis and problem solving skills; strong written and verbal presentation skills; strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Results-oriented and self-motivated; excellent organization and planning skills with attention to detail; ability to handle sensitive/confidential information.