Compensation Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Compensation Manager to lead and evolve our compensation programs while managing a team of seasoned compensation consultants. This role involves shaping compensation strategy, ensuring market competitiveness, and supporting the attraction and retention of top talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of three Compensation Consultants.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on accountability, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Set team priorities, delegate work effectively, and ensure successful execution of compensation initiatives.
• Design, implement, and manage compensation programs, including base salary structures, incentive compensation plans, and sales compensation programs.
• Ensure compensation programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop and maintain compensation frameworks, including job architecture, pay structures, and governance practices.
• Conduct market pricing, benchmarking, and compensation analyses to support informed decision-making.
• Oversee compensation systems and processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners and business leaders to provide compensation guidance and strategic support.
• Advise stakeholders on complex compensation matters and recommendations.
• Communicate compensation philosophy, programs, and changes across the organization.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional initiatives related to total rewards, organizational effectiveness, and process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive compensation experience.
• Strong expertise in sales compensation and/or executive compensation.
• Previous people leadership experience, preferably managing compensation professionals.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading as a working manager within a compensation function.
• Advanced knowledge of compensation design, market analysis, and compensation governance.
• Executive compensation experience is a plus.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $81.00/hr. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hopkins, MN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.