Employee Recognition Director, Iselin, NJ

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Employee Recognition Director is responsible for designing, delivering, and managing enterprise-wide recognition programs that elevate performance, reinforce culture, and enhance the employee experience. This role aligns recognition initiatives with the company’s guiding principles and business objectives to drive employee engagement and organizational impact. The Employee Recognition Director partners with executive leadership, the Employee Experience Committee, and other business partners to develop recognition initiatives that motivate and inspire performance. The incumbent oversees recognition platforms, enterprise award celebrations, vendor relationships, program budgets, and the measurement of program effectiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and execution of enterprise-wide employee reward and recognition programs aligned with the company’s culture and business objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, the Employee Experience Committee, and other business partners to ensure recognition programs motivate and inspire employee performance.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to establish, track, and report key performance and recognition metrics.
• Use data, employee feedback, participation trends, and engagement insights to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide recommendations to senior leadership regarding recognition strategy, program performance, and opportunities for organizational impact.
• Ensure recognition programs and awards reflect the company’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and third-party vendors to plan and lead enterprise award celebrations and other events recognizing employee performance and contributions.
• Oversee employee recognition and rewards platforms, including peer-to-peer and leadership recognition programs.
• Drive enterprise-wide adoption and participation in recognition programs and platforms.
• Design and manage recognition programs that are inspiring, user-friendly, financially responsible, fair, and consistent.
• Ensure recognition practices align with applicable policies, compensation guidelines, internal controls, and regulatory considerations.
• Manage budgets associated with recognition programs and employee events.
• Work with vendors and internal business partners to execute programs and events.
• Lead, coach, and develop employees in accordance with the organization’s policies and leadership expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of relevant experience successfully designing and delivering employee recognition programs, including senior leadership and enterprise-wide events
• Demonstrated experience partnering with business leaders to design and execute employee performance recognition initiatives and events
• A passion for inspiring top performers and employee engagement
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to design, scale, and optimize enterprise-wide programs
• Demonstrated experience in executive-level stakeholder management with the ability to influence and collaborate across senior leadership
• Strong executive presence and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Data-driven mindset with experience in reporting, analytics, and insights-based decision making
• Experience with employee engagement, culture, and recognition program development
• Strong project and event management capabilities, including cross-functional coordination
• Proficiency in recognition/rewards platforms and vendor management
• Knowledge of compensation practices, compliance requirements, and internal controls
• Budget management and financial oversight experience
• Proven people leadership, coaching, and team development skills

SKILLS AND TRAINING REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated experience partnering with business leaders to design and deliver employee performance recognition and events
• High integrity and sound professional judgment.
• Strong executive presence, presentation and communication skills.
• Enjoys leading large programs and presenting to audiences of various levels in the organization

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience successfully delivering related work, including but not limited to, running recognition programs and senior management events

EDUCATION:

• HS Diploma Required. Bachelor’s degree preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a normal office environment. Noise levels are usually moderate.

• Prolonged sitting
• Lifting from 5 to 10 lbs., including printer paper and storage boxes
• Occasional bending or overhead lifting when storing files or boxes
• Regular travel to company locations and events based on meeting and event schedules
• On-site event management at locations that may be within or beyond the company’s current regional footprint

This is an in-person role requiring on-site presence at the company’s headquarters and other company locations. While certain duties may be performed remotely, travel to alternative company locations and events is required on a regular basis, which may be daily or weekly depending on schedules.

The hazards are mainly those present in a normal office setting, commuting by car, and public forums and meeting locations.

This job description may not be all-inclusive. Employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.

Provident Bank recognizes and supports the importance of creating a socially and culturally diverse employee base. We understand, value, and appreciate the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce can contribute to our organization. We put the employee and the customer at the center of strategy because culture is a critical differentiator for why people choose to work here.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.

Pay Details

$175,000 to $200,000 annually

Please note, the base pay actually offered may vary based upon the candidate’s skills and experience, job-related knowledge, education, geographic location, internal equity, and other applicable business and organizational needs.

This role is eligible to participate in an annual incentive opportunity based upon company, business, and/or individual goal achievement and performance.

Team members accrue paid time off (PTO), receive Holiday PTO, and are eligible to participate in the bank’s Health and Wellness benefits, including Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, Flexible and Health Savings Accounts, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan. In addition, the company provides Disability Insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and Basic Life Insurance. Company-sponsored Tuition Disbursement and Loan Repayment programs are also available. Voluntary benefits include Supplemental Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal plans.