Total Rewards Manager (Payroll & Benefits)
Hybrid New York Full-time Manager Compensation & Benefits
At a glance
Manager-level Compensation & Benefits role at Empire State Realty Trust. New York · full-time · $120,000–$145,000 base.
SalaryStated by Empire State Realty Trust
$120,000 – $145,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from Empire State Realty TrustOur estimate for the market: $90,000–$140,000Median $115,000
Above the market median of $115,000 for mid-level compensation & benefits roles in New York.
Worked out from 29 postings that stated pay, median $115,000. Last updated Oct 15, 2026.
RoleCompensation & Benefits
SeniorityManager
LocationNew York
WorkplaceHybrid
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$120,000–$145,000
PostedJun 2, 2026 · 4mo ago
Role brief
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Run health, retirement, leave, disability and workers’ compensation programs, including vendor oversight and annual reporting
- Lead open enrollment, from ADP setup and carrier data feeds to ACA filings, employee meetings and issue resolution
- Review weekly timecards and payroll, maintain accurate employee records, and cover payroll processing when needed
- Oversee union payroll, dues and benefit remittances, and audits across union and non-union payroll
- Improve payroll and benefits procedures, controls, reporting and systems while supporting budgets and Total Rewards projects
What you bring
- At least seven years administering payroll and benefits, including experience managing people
- Hands-on union payroll experience and a working grasp of collective bargaining agreements
- Working knowledge of ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFL and other applicable payroll and benefits rules
- Experience overseeing retirement plans, benefit vendors, audits, renewals and annual cycles
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ADP Workforce Now
Who this fits
This manager role suits someone ready to lead payroll and benefits operations while sharing work and ensuring backup coverage. It is based in New York and is hybrid. A bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related area, or equivalent experience, is accepted.
From the employer
COMPANY SUMMARY
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased, top of tier, modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. ESRT’s flagship Empire State Building, the “World's Most Famous Building,” features its iconic Observation Deck. The Company is a recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. As of June 30, 2026, ESRT’s portfolio is comprised of approximately 7.5 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space and 743 residential units. More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at esrtreit.com and by following ESRT on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and LinkedIn.
The dedicated team at ESRT is a collection of diverse individuals with a shared passion for excellence and a keen eye toward future growth. Headquartered in New York City, we harness the energy of the city in everything we do. We care for one another, work hard, and have a lot of fun doing it! We are Certified™ as a Great Place to Work® by the global authority, Great Place to Work®, on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors. We prioritize and invest in the health and wellness of employees to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent. ESRT values continuous employee development and encourages colleagues to excel in their roles and adapt to emerging business needs. From our crown jewel, The Empire State Building, to incredible buildings modernized for the 21st century, to outstanding customer service, and our decade-long leadership position in sustainability and energy efficient portfolio that is 100% fully powered by renewable wind electricity, we take pride in our work. ESRT seeks an equally passionate colleague to join the team, understand the vision and help achieve that vision.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Total Rewards Manager manages the day-to-day administration of ESRT’s benefits, payroll, union obligations, and related accounting processes. This role ensures accurate and compliant program delivery and serves as a trusted resource for employees and business partners. In partnership with the Director of Total Rewards, the Manager will strengthen processes, support strategic initiatives, and enhance the employee experience.RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement, leave programs, workers' compensation, and disability.
- Manage vendor relationships, annual census reporting, 401(k) nondiscrimination testing, 401(k) annual audit, and employee communications.
- Lead annual open enrollment, including ADP plan and profile setup, carrier file feeds, ACA reporting, meetings, and employee support.
- Resolve escalated benefits issues and review monthly benefit invoices, invoice allocations, union benefit payments, and remittances; process them directly when backup is needed.
- Oversee HSA employer funding, year-end 401(k) true-up calculations, ESS system audits, and wellness initiatives.
- Serve as Secretary of the 401(k) Fiduciary Committee.
- Manage payroll operations and provide review of weekly time & attendance and payroll.
- Share weekly timecard review and employee transaction entry with the Coordinator and Specialist and step in directly when coverage is needed for the Thursday pay date.
- Ensure employee payroll records, tax withholding forms, deductions, status changes, and annual W-2 reviews are accurate and complete.
- Oversee union payroll records, employer self-service systems, dues and benefit payments, and union audits
- Lead all related audits for union and non-union payroll.
- Develop payroll and benefits procedures and lead improvements to systems, workflows, reporting, compliance, and data security.
- Support the Head of Total Rewards with budgets, reporting & analysis, projects, and broader Total Rewards initiatives.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Ensures accurate, timely weekly payroll and benefit and union remittances across the employee population.
- Maintains effective controls, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and clear accountability.
- Helps with building a capable team with documented processes and dependable backup coverage.
- Improves service, cost, and efficiency through practical process and system changes.
- Builds productive relationships with employees, leaders, vendors, unions, and business partners.
REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES
- Seven or more years of payroll and benefits administration experience, including people management.
- Required union payroll experience and working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.
- Working knowledge of ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFL, and other federal and state payroll and benefits requirements.
- Experience managing retirement plans and benefit vendors, audits, renewals, and annual cycles.
- Advanced Excel and strong payroll and benefits reporting and analytical skills.
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now; familiarity with Yardi is a plus.
- Ability to set priorities, make sound decisions, communicate with all organizational levels, and lead through changing demands.
- Integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee, company, and organizational information
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Certified Payroll Professional is a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- At ESRT, like our tenants, our employees come from everywhere. We foster a collaborative work environment that captures top talent and cultivates the best ideas. As a Great Place to Work® Certified employer, we are committed to maintaining our positive work culture where employees are engaged and can grow and develop. In addition, ESRT employees embody our Company Culture & Success Factors -
- Adaptable – you are a self-starter who’s able to quickly digest and execute new processes to work both collaboratively and independently
- Dynamic – you are solutions-oriented, aim to improve processes and implement efficiency, and offer insightful feedback to improve ESRT
- Dependable – you take a strong sense of ownership and accountability over your work
- Passionate – you keep up with industry trends and are excited about the potential to propel the industry forward with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude
- Curious – you consistently look for new ways to work smarter, not just harder
- Ethical – you treat others with respect, act with integrity in how you perform your work, and embrace our collaborative culture
- Positive – you possess a service-oriented attitude with excellent follow through
BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary and bonus
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance
- Company sponsored Life, AD&D, STD (with Salary Continuation), and LTD Insurance
- Voluntary Enhanced LTD Program
- Voluntary Hospital, Accident, and Cancer Programs
- 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%
- Paid parental leave
- Pre-tax transit accounts
- Employee Assistance Program for emotional, financial, and legal support
WELL-BEING
- Generous paid time off
- Flex remote work time
- Flex Summer Fridays
- Employee engagement programs
- Volunteer time off
- Continuing education
- Complimentary Empire State Building Observation Deck access
- Complimentary gym membership and other wellness benefits
- Employee Discount Programs