Sr. Manager, Total Rewards

QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future. About the Team:  QS’s People & Culture team partners across the business to build the programs, systems, and culture that support our mission to bring next-generation battery technology to market. As we scale, we’re investing in a dedicated Total Rewards function to own compensation strategy, the annual focal cycle, and partner closely with our Benefits lead to ensure our reward programs are competitive, equitable, and easy to administer. What we need:  The Sr. Manager, Total Rewards leads Total Rewards execution and day-to-day management for QS, compensation, benefits, and immigration/mobility, as a unified function, in partnership with and under the direction of the Director, People & Culture, who retains overall strategic ownership of Total Rewards. This includes managing base pay structures, incentive and equity programs, job architecture/leveling, market pricing, pay equity analysis, and the annual performance & focal (merit, bonus, equity refresh) cycle, as well as benefits strategy/administration and immigration/mobility, managed through direct people management of the Benefits & Immigration team member.  The ideal candidate brings deep compensation and benefits expertise, strong program ownership, and the judgment to operate independently across a broad, cross-functional scope. What you’ll do: Total Rewards: Compensation, Equity & Benefits Partner with the Director as an active thought partner on compensation strategy - market positioning, pay equity analysis, and job architecture. Own Radford benchmarking submissions and market data analysis, translating findings into actionable recommendations for the Director and leadership. Build and maintain job code administration and ensure the job architecture framework is accurate, consistent, and current. Lead day-to-day execution of the annual compensation cycle - merit, equity refresh, and promotions - in partnership with the Director and Finance. Advise PBPs, Talent team, and managers on compensation decisions within established guidelines. Oversee health, welfare, and retirement benefits programs, including annual renewal, vendor management, broker relationships, and open enrollment. Oversee leave of absence administration - FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and company leave programs - ensuring compliant, consistent, and empathetic handling of employee leaves. Oversee workers' compensation administration, including claims management, carrier and TPA coordination, and return-to-work programs in partnership with EHS. Build total rewards communication and education materials that help employees understand the full value of pay, equity, and benefits. …