Senior Director, Total Rewards

For our client, a leader in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotech space, we are seeking a Senior Director of Total Rewards to own compensation, benefits, and rewards programs that attract, retain, and motivate talent at scale.

Location: Millbrae, CA — US-based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available.

About the role

You will partner with people leaders, finance, and executive stakeholders to align rewards programs with business needs and employee experience. The position offers the opportunity to strengthen pay practices, improve program governance, and create more consistent outcomes across the organization within a life sciences environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the company’s Total Rewards strategy to align with business goals and performance culture
• Design and manage comprehensive compensation programs, including broad-based and executive compensation structures
• Oversee compensation architecture, focusing on job levels, market pricing, pay equity, and transparency
• Lead the equity compensation strategy in collaboration with Legal and Finance for compliance and administration
• Work closely with executive leaders to support executive compensation and proxy disclosures for the Board
• Direct the administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs, including managing third-party partners
• Ensure compliance with SEC, IRS, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA regulations related to Total Rewards programs
• Guide HR and business leaders in Total Rewards strategies to enhance workforce planning and engagement

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in HR, Business, Finance, Economics, or related field with 12+ years of relevant experience, or Bachelor's plus 15+ years
• Progressive experience in Total Rewards, ideally in high-growth biotech or pharmaceutical sectors
• Demonstrated team leadership in Total Rewards professionals
• Experience in private and public company environments, with direct Compensation Committee support
• Deep expertise in compensation strategy, executive compensation, equity programs, and benefits governance
• Strong understanding of SEC/SOX requirements and related tax and regulatory considerations
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with HRIS/compensation planning systems; CCP and/or CEP designation preferred

Pay

$257,000 – $309,750 annually

Benefits

• 401k with company matching
• 95% of medical premiums covered by the company; 100% coverage for dental and vision
• Mental health and wellness support
• Company-wide summer and winter holiday shutdowns
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• 100% coverage for Life/AD&D Insurance, optional supplemental policies available
• Enhanced parental leave benefits
• Subsidized lunch program for on-site employees