Sr. Manager, Compensation

The Guitar Center Company

$160K — $190K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or Business Administration; advanced degree or certifications preferred (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SPHR).
  • 8+ years of experience in compensation, with leadership experience.
  • Strong knowledge of compensation strategy, market pricing, and salary administration practices.
  • Experience in annual compensation planning and market benchmarking processes.
  • Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
  • Project management and stakeholder management skills.
  • Familiarity with compensation-related laws and regulations including FLSA.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and administration of compensation programs including base pay, bonuses, and recognition.
  • Manage annual compensation planning and market benchmarking to support business growth.
  • Align compensation strategies with business objectives in partnership with HR and leadership.
  • Oversee compensation vendors and systems to ensure effectiveness.
  • Coach and develop a small compensation team promoting collaboration and analytical decisions.
  • Design and manage recognition programs that enhance employee engagement.
  • Develop training resources and communication materials about compensation programs.
  • Analyze compensation data to guide business decisions and prepare reports for leadership.

Benefits

  • Participation in the annual bonus program.
  • Opportunity for professional development within a small, focused team.
  • Collaboration with various departments, enhancing cross-functional skill sets.
  • Exposure to compliance with comprehensive compensation regulations.
Full Job Description
The Senior Manager, Compensation is responsible leading the design, implementation, and management of compensation programs that support the company's business objectives, talent strategy, and total rewards philosophy. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, Systems/Technology, Legal and business leaders to ensure compensation programs are competitive, equitable, and scalable.

As a hands-on leader, the role oversees compensation planning, market benchmarking, job architecture, recognition programs, governance, and compensation analytics while managing a small team of compensation professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Compensation Strategy & Management:
  • Lead the development and administration of compensation programs including base pay, incentive plans, bonuses, and recognition programs.
  • Lead and manage annual compensation planning, market benchmarking, job architecture, compensation structure, pay policies and processes to support organizational growth and deliver competitive, consistent, and scalable pay practices.
  • Partner with HR and business leaders to align compensation strategies with business goals and workforce priorities.
  • Oversee compensation vendors, systems, budgets, and related processes to ensure operational effectivenes

2. Leadership & Team Development:
  • Lead, coach, and develop a small compensation team.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and analytical decision-making.
  • Support broader talent and total rewards initiatives through cross-functional partnership.

3. Recognition & Rewards Programs:
  • Design and manage recognition and rewards programs that support engagement and performance.
  • Develop monetary and non-monetary recognition strategies aligned with company culture and business objectives.

4. Communication & Education:
  • Develop and deliver communication materials and training resources to improve understanding of compensation and total rewards programs.
  • Simplify and improve access to compensation-related tools, resources, and processes.

5. Compliance & Governance:
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local compensation regulations, including FLSA and wage and hour requirements.
  • Monitor legislative and market trends impacting compensation practices.
  • Establish and maintain compensation policies, governance standards, and documentation.

6. Data Analysis & Reporting:
  • Analyze compensation data and trends to assess program effectiveness and support business decisions.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for HR and senior leadership.
  • Partner with HR and Technology teams to improve compensation data quality, reporting, and visibility.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SPHR) preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in compensation including leadership experience.
  • Strong functional knowledge of compensation strategy, market pricing, job evaluation, salary administration practices, HRIS and compensation systems.
  • Experience managing annual compensation planning and market benchmarking processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
  • Strong project management, communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Working knowledge of compensation-related laws and regulations including FLSA and wage/hour compliance.

Pay Rate: $160,000- $190,000 / annually depending on background and experience. This position is eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

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