Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
LANGUAGES
Timeline
Generic

Kayla Link

Hopedale,Illinois

Summary

Total Rewards professional with significant experience in developing and implementing compensation and benefits strategies. Skilled in data analysis, benefits administration, and compliance with regulatory standards. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results in dynamic environments. Known for adaptability, reliability, and effective communication.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Total Rewards Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.
02.2015 - Current
  • Developed total rewards strategy aligning compensation and benefits with organizational goals.
  • Lead projects on direct contracts, wellness, consumer education, chronic disease, and high-cost claimants.
  • Evaluate and implement all aspects of benefits annual enrollment.
  • Manage Caterpillar travel benefits, payment integrity review, mental health parity review, and benefit audits.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting benefits programs, including ACA, ERISA, HIPPA, ADA regulatory filings.
  • Analyzed market trends to ensure competitive pay structures and benefit offerings.
  • Perform claims review for plan design development and project management
  • Designed communication materials enhancing employee understanding of rewards programs.
  • Mentored junior staff on best practices in total rewards management and analytics.
  • Led integration of HRIS tools for enhanced data reporting on compensation metrics.
  • Streamlined performance review processes, increasing efficiency and participant satisfaction.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by developing and implementing competitive total rewards programs.
  • Advised management on best practices related to pay equity and diversity in compensation decision-making, promoting a fair and inclusive work environment.
  • Partnered with benefits vendors to negotiate favorable contract terms, reducing costs without sacrificing quality or service levels.
  • Supported mergers and acquisitions activities by conducting due diligence related to compensation, benefits, equity awards, change-in-control provisions, etc.
  • Analyzed workforce demographics data to identify trends impacting total rewards strategy, making adjustments as needed to maintain competitiveness in the market.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of existing benefits programs through regular audits and made recommendations for improvements as needed.
  • Managed the annual open enrollment process, ensuring a smooth experience for all employees.
  • Designed incentive programs that aligned with company values and promoted desired behaviors among employees.
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by staying current on employment laws and updating policies as necessary.
  • Assisted in the development of job descriptions that accurately reflected roles and responsibilities within the organization, supporting accurate compensation benchmarking efforts.
  • Developed recognition programs that celebrated individual achievements while fostering a culture of appreciation throughout the organization.
  • Developed comprehensive communication materials to educate employees on the value of their total rewards package.
  • Coordinated employee wellness initiatives aimed at promoting overall well-being while driving down healthcare costs.
  • Conducted market research to develop competitive salary structures and attract top talent.
  • Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
  • Administered performance-based incentive and bonus plans, encouraging employee excellence.
  • Conducted wage and salary surveys to build competitive compensation plans.
  • Vendor manager for wellness programs and benefit vendors
  • Negotiate contracts to secure cost-effective services for the organization
  • Develop and implement communication materials for benefits plans, retirement plans, and leave policies
  • Manage job hiring, termination, investigations, and payroll
  • Manage disability and workers compensation, FMLA, parental leave, and bereavement
  • Brand advocate for company and manages brand communications
  • Manage prescription drug benefits and internal appeal process
  • Resolved employee issues related to benefits, serving as a liaison between employees and providers
  • Analyzed workforce demographics data to identify trends impacting total rewards
  • Develop recognition programs to celebrate achievements while fostering a culture of appreciation
  • Design incentive programs that aligned with company values and desired behaviors among employees
  • Case manager for specific issues pertaining to investigations

Analyst

Tazewell County Health Department
01.2013 - 02.2015
  • Performed the tasks of developing creative and interactive strategies to support the Tazewell County Health Department
  • Planned, implemented, and evaluated informal and formal educational activities to meet the health needs of the community
  • Coordinated with community agencies to assist access to wellness and health services for the community and the underserved
  • Conducted evaluations and research related to health education of the community
  • Monitored and evaluated community health programs
  • Worked with community division in community outreach
  • Established networks of community representatives and public and private organizations
  • Sat as chair of Tazewell County Health Department worksite wellness program
  • Performed grant writing for the organization
  • Sat as a Tazewell County Health Department representative for local and national coalitions
  • Performed insurance enrollment for Medicaid, Marketplace, and MPE
  • Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports
  • Managed multiple projects
  • Educated staff on organizational missions and goals
  • Analyzed public health data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making initiatives.
  • Developed comprehensive reports on health outcomes and program effectiveness for stakeholder presentations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance community health programs and services based on data insights.
  • Implemented data collection methodologies to improve accuracy and reliability of health assessments.
  • Led training sessions for staff on data analysis tools, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Streamlined reporting processes, reducing turnaround time for delivering critical health information to partners.
  • Conducted risk assessments to support the development of targeted interventions addressing community health issues.
  • Evaluated program performance metrics to recommend enhancements and ensure alignment with public health objectives.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports.
  • Supported budgeting processes by providing accurate forecasts and timely variance analyses.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction rates through detailed analysis of customer feedback data and subsequent improvements in service offerings.
  • Enhanced report accuracy, conducting thorough data audits on regular basis.
  • Led cross-functional teams in strategic planning sessions, aligning efforts with company goals.
  • Reduced errors in data entry, instituting rigorous quality control checks.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and quality standards.

Education

B.S - Health Sciences

Illinois State University (ISU)
Normal, IL
05.2013

Skills

  • Benefits management
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Team development coaching
  • Mergers and acquisitions oversight
  • Health and wellness programs
  • Payroll administration
  • Employee relations management
  • Workplace investigations
  • Comprehensive case management
  • Human resources management
  • Retirement benefits planning
  • HRIS management experience
  • Compensation strategy
  • Customized benefits administration
  • Management of recognition program strategies
  • Management of incentive programs
  • Work-life balance initiatives
  • Rewards program design
  • FMLA and leave policy understanding
  • Experience in navigating regulatory frameworks
  • Familiarity with employee benefits legislation
  • HR regulatory adherence
  • Project management proficiency
  • Expertise in Microsoft applications
  • Employee engagement techniques
  • Brand representation
  • Customer service excellence
  • Analytical skills in data interpretation
  • Business strategy expertise
  • Effective communication skills
  • Strong leadership background
  • Risk management assessment
  • Effective public speaking
  • Clear and concise communication
  • Documentation expertise
  • Leadership skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability in dynamic environments
  • Effective time management

LANGUAGES

English Fluent

Timeline

Total Rewards Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.
02.2015 - Current

Analyst

Tazewell County Health Department
01.2013 - 02.2015

B.S - Health Sciences

Illinois State University (ISU)

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