Job Description

About the Role:

We are looking for a Principal Stock Plan Consultant to join the team. This role will report directly to the Director Long-Term Incentives & Retention within the Total Rewards function, and would be responsible for the design, administration, governance, and strategic optimization of global equity compensation programs. This role partners closely with executive leadership, HR, Legal, Tax, Finance, and external vendors to ensure equity plans are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. The Principal Consultant provides thought leadership, drives process excellence, and leads complex initiatives related to stock plan design and execution.

This role will be a hybrid role located in our Cincinnati, OHorAtlanta, GA offices.

What you will be doing

• Lead equity compensation strategy, including design and evolution of programs (e.g. RSUs, stock options, performance shares, ESPP).
• Partner with Total Rewards and LTI leadership to align equity programs with talent, retention, and shareholder goals.
• Manage global equity program rollout and expansion, ensuring compliance and scalability.
• Benchmark programs against market practices and recommend data-driven improvements.
• Ensure compliance with global tax, accounting (ASC 718), securities, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee plan governance, documentation, processes, and internal controls.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and Executive Compensation on proxy disclosures, filings, and audits.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (HR, Payroll, Accounting, Tax) to execute equity programs effectively.
• Support M&A, global expansion, and other transactions impacting equity.
• Serve as escalation point for complex employee and executive equity issues.
• Analyze and report on equity metrics (pool usage, burn rate, dilution, financial impact).
• Support financial reporting, forecasting, and modeling.
• Provide insights for compensation planning and board-level decisions.
• Develop clear communications and educate stakeholders on equity programs.
• Support executive compensation discussions with leadership and the Board/Comp Committee.
• Other related duties assigned as needed.

What you bring:

• Bachelor27s degree in business administration, human resources or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, or work experience. CEP (Certified Equity Professional) designation preferred.
• Eight to twelve years27 professional level experience in public and/or private company equity compensation, stock plan administration or executive compensation.
• Deep expertise in global equity programs, including tax and regulatory considerations.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards (ASC 718) and equity reporting.
• Experience working with equity administration systems (e.g., E*TRADE, Fidelity, Shareworks, Equity Edge).
• Exposure to executive compensation design and Compensation Committee support
• Mastery in PC skills including Word, PowerPoint and advanced Excel - must be proficient in pivot tables, vlookups, graphing, formulas and functions.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop sound recommendations and solutions. Exceptional mathematics skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with top management
• Excellent problem solving, independent decision making, analytical and time management skills managing multiple tasks/deadlines for self and others.

What we offer you:

A career at Global Payments is more than just a job. It27s the chance to shape the future of Fintech. At Global Payments, we offer you:

• A voice in the future of Fintech
• Always-on learning and development
• Collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to give back
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits