Northern Trust

Head of Global Compensation Programs and Operations

Northern Trust$137K — $240K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of progressive compensation experience partnering with executives.
  • Proven expertise in job evaluation, pay structures, and incentive compensation.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent communication skills for influencing stakeholders effectively.
  • Knowledge of global compensation laws and trends.
  • Detail-oriented with strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Support strategic leadership in compensation program implementation and communication.
  • Evaluate and govern global compensation and recognition processes.
  • Manage the annual compensation cycle with stakeholder engagement and data management.
  • Advise and train leaders on compensation policies and best practices.
  • Develop educational tools for HRBPs and management.
  • Oversee compensation survey submissions and analysis for benchmarking.
  • Identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement in compensation processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive retirement benefits including 401k and pension.
  • Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off, parental leave, and caregiver leave.
  • Life and accident insurance coverage.
  • Discretionary bonus program with possible equity component.
Full Job Description
Role/ Department: Head of Global Compensation Programs & Operations/Global Compensation

Head of Global Compensation Programs & Operations is responsible for design, implementation, and managing compensation strategies and programs to attract, retain, and motivate partners, ensuring compliance with regulations and aligning with company goals.

The key responsibilities of the role include:
• Provide support to the Head of Global Total Rewards in setting strategic and operational leadership in the implementation, administration, and communication of compensation programs including HR governance, base pay, variable pay, merit, compensation planning, and market analysis with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Develop, implement and carry out the ongoing evaluation and governance of global compensation and recognition programs, processes and systems and people data to manage costs, increase efficiency and improve functionality.
• Manage the annual compensation cycles including stakeholder communications, enablement, project planning, timelines, system set up, data management and dissemination, audits and approvals.
• Advise leaders and managers on compensation & reward policies and practices providing deep subject matter expertise, and provide training, and guidance on development of best practice compensation programs, policies, and procedures to stakeholders.
• Lead the development of educational materials, tools, and necessary training modules to increase HRBPs and management understanding of existing or new compensation programs and practices.
• Ownership of compensation survey submissions and salary range reviews: job matching, data submission and independent analysis of benchmarking data to support compensation strategy.
• Continuously review current compensation processes, programs and tools (e.g., annual compensation review, market pricing, etc.) to identify opportunities for process improvements, automation and solutions for implementation to enable greater efficiency, scalability as well as enhance employees' total rewards experience.
• Support audit processes and legal reporting to make certain compensation programs are administered in compliance with company policies and government regulations.
• Partner with business and HR leaders in the administration and continuous enhancement of the company's job architecture. Annually assess our job architecture and salary ranges and provide recommendations as needed.
• Collaborate with HR Technology team on technology strategy, improvements, and enhancements to data integrity and Total Reward systems and tools.
• Make staffing decisions, manage expenses and salary review process
• Support other cross-functional, global initiatives and projects as needed.

Skills/ Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field of study or equivalent experience.
• Previous Financial Services experience
• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive compensation experience partnering with senior leadership/executives and a track record for driving the talent agenda.
• Demonstrated experience in job evaluation, job architecture, market pricing, benchmarking, salary structure design and development, pay for performance, short- and long-term incentive compensation, and equity plan development and administration.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex global compensation issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex global compensation information and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of global compensation laws, regulations, and market trends.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple global priorities and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office products and HR applications including Workday.

Working Model: Hybrid (#LI-Hybrid)
We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home.

#LI-EA1

Salary Range:
$137,400 - 240,400 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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