United States onlyThe Manager of Compensation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Delta Dental by partnering with operational leaders and the People Organization to design compensation programs that drive business success. By creating innovative, market-competitive strategies, you’ll ensure we not only attract and engage top-tier diverse talent but also retain them through compelling rewards. From conducting cutting-edge market research to implementing high-impact base and incentive compensation programs, you’ll oversee every step—from proposal to seamless execution, compliance, and ongoing optimization. Leading a talented and evolving team of compensation professionals, you'll play a key role in fostering their growth and career development. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Total Rewards, you will be instrumental in defining and executing a forward-thinking enterprise compensation philosophy that aligns with our talent strategy and fuels the growth of our people and our business.
- Manages staff including determining staffing needs, selecting, setting goals, managing workload, coaching and performance management, career development via project assignment & cross-training with internal & external training support, and promotion of collaboration with People Organization teams essential in the implementation and ongoing support of compensation programs.
- Provides subject matter expertise regarding compensation philosophy, market trends, legislation, and compensation policy/plan design. To ensure competitive total cash compensation, proposes new or changes to current programs presenting market research, cost/benefit analysis, and employee impact analysis.
- Assists in the design of the enterprise compensation philosophy. Leads the implementation and administration of compensation programs (salary structure, merit pay, short and long-term incentives) ensuring programs are aligned with the compensation philosophy, internally equitable and competitive with the external labor markets in which the enterprise competes for talent.
- In partnership with the People Organization leadership team, ensures compensation programs are integrated into the enhanced employee experience, Talent Management, Succession Planning, and Performance Management processes, tools and training as appropriate.
- Provides subject matter expertise and accurately interpret, counsel, communicate, and educate people consultants, managers and executives on pay decisions, policy and guideline interpretations, and job evaluations.
- Develops comprehensive and effective communications strategy (marketing, education, etc.) for compensation programs in partnership with internal communications experts and people consultants.
- Provides subject matter expertise in the implementation, modification, and upgrades of software supporting compensation and performance management administration. Provides expertise as needed to support People Organization software initiatives where integration of compensation programs or information a key component.
- Elevates issues that may impact the enterprise, divisions, legal compliance, or may have significant impact to the budget and/or employees. To accurately inform, incumbent has authority to seek counsel from internal legal counsel and contracted ERISA attorney, and other sources at their disposal.
- Develops annual compensation department budget for inclusion in the Total Rewards budget; identifies variances and takes corrective actions as appropriate. Partners with Finance to budget annual enterprise compensation expense and assists in variance analysis as needed.
- As part of development strategy, may be assigned management responsibility for one or more benefit programs (retirement, leave administration, etc.) including professional staff and consulting resources to support successful experiential development.
- 8+ years w/Bachelor’s degree; 1+ years supervisory/management
- Experience assisting as a subject matter expert the implementation & administration of enterprise software systems supporting compensation program administration. Experience leading implementation and administration of software solutions specific to compensation (e.g. job description or compensation market pricing solutions) a plus.
- Ability to manage and mentor/develop a diverse team of compensation professionals of varying experience levels. Includes organizational skills to assign work that successfully engages, develops and cross-trains direct reports. Also includes ability to successfully manage remote, and in-office staff.
- In-depth knowledge of compensation programs required to attract, engage and retain talent, compensation market trends, and Federal & State regulations impacting the design of compensation programs. E.g., Fair Labor Standards act, California Wage orders and various State regulations around pay fairness/equity.
- Proven ability to independently initiate and execute projects with a strong attention to details and deadlines; and promotes collaboration between multiple teams in, and outside of the People Organization toward successful project completion.
- Proven ability to oversee and/or develop compensation communication/education materials/programs targeting specific audiences such as: compensation tool kits for people leaders, and/or education materials for employees.
- Strong problem solving, oral presentation, persuasion and written communication skills adapted to the target audience.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Solid understanding of Microsoft Office 365 software to include MSWork, Outlook, and Powerpoint. Experience with One Note, Teams and other Microsoft tools a plus.
- Considers it a strength to ask for help when needed, and seek out opinions of others in fulfilling the roles purpose - delivery of comprehensive and competitive compensation programs of significant value to our employees.
Base Pay Information
The national base pay range at the end is a good-faith estimate of what Delta Dental may pay for new hires. Actual pay may vary based on Delta Dental’s assessment of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), related experience, education, certifications and ability to meet required minimum job qualifications. Other factors impacting pay include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity.
Pay Grade 23. $106,400 - $230,600
Behind the smile! We are dedicated to safeguarding the health and financial stability of our employees and their loved ones. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellbeing. Our life-changing rewards package includes:- Competitive base and incentive pay
- 401(k) with robust matching and non-matching contributions
- Rich medical & pharmacy benefits
- 100% employer-paid dental and vision benefits
- Holistic wellbeing program with deep financial incentives
- Generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and your birthday off
- Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program
- Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child, elder & pet care assistance
- Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities
- Employee discount program
