Director, Compensation

Overview

The Director, Compensation is a critical leadership role on the HR team responsible for leading the design, development, and execution of our global compensation programs. This role ensures our compensation offerings are market-competitive, performance-driven, and aligned with our business goals as a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company scaling for growth. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in broad-based compensation, strong analytical and governance capabilities, and experience working with senior management. This individual will play a critical role in attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent while supporting the Company’s mission. This position requires a blend of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep expertise in compensation programs and practices, equity programs, and public company requirements.

Responsibilities

Compensation Strategy & Governance

• Lead the strategy development and administration of broad-based compensation programs, including base pay, incentives, and equity.
• Partner with the SVP of HR and executive management to design and recommend annual compensation strategies and policies.
• Oversee annual compensation cycles (merit, bonus, and equity planning), ensuring alignment with business performance and market competitiveness.
• Collaborate with Sales Operations team to ensure sales incentive compensation programs are effective and aligned to the Company’s overarching compensation philosophy.
• Lead the development of educational tools and resources, including the facilitation of training on compensation programs for the organization.
• Provide market analyses, benchmarking, and insights to guide talent and organizational decisions.
• Ensure compliance with SEC, IRS, and other regulatory requirements related to executive compensation and disclosures (e.g., CD&A, proxy statements).

Systems, Data & Analytics

• Partner with HRIS to enhance system capabilities that support compensation processes in Workday or similar systems.
• Leverage data analytics to monitor pay equity, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions.
• Maintain high standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and auditability across all compensation systems.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across the compensation function.
• Establishes, directs, and allocates the necessary headcount and financial resources within the compensation function needed to support the company’s business strategy.
• Collaborate closely with HR colleagues, finance, legal, sales operations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on compensation matters.
• Serves as back-up to Benefits & HRIS colleagues
• Participates in initiatives and/or other activities as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or other related field required; Advanced degree, CCP or CECP certification highly desired
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in compensation, including executive compensation, equity programs, sales incentive compensation, market benchmarking and governance. Other relevant experience in HR such as HRIS, benefits and payroll a plus.
• 3+ years directly leading a team. Experience building and scaling teams preferred.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (FLSA, SEC, SOX, and tax compliance).
• Experience in a publicly traded company in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries
• Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leaders
• Acumen for development of automated systems
• Proven success utilizing artificial intelligence to drive efficiencies and effectiveness in compensation management
• Advanced Excel and HRIS proficiency (such as pivot tables, vlookups and advanced formulas)
• Competencies: Leadership, Influencer, Professional Integrity, Discretion, Innovative, Independent Judgement, Teamwork/Collaboration, Verbal & Written Communication, Project Management, Attention to Detail, Analytical & Critical-Thinking Skills, Data Interpretation, Adaptability
• Working Conditions: Position may require periodic evening and weekend work, as necessary to fulfill obligations. Periodic overnight travel. This is a hybrid role based in Xeris’ Chicago office and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office. On-site requirement may change at management’s discretion.

The level of the position will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

 

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As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Xeris Pharma