Director of Compensation & Benefits

REACH YOUR POTENTIAL | COLLABORATE WITH AMAZING PEOPLE | MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN

Do you have the skills, passion, and commitment to transform our clients for the better? Are you ready to be a changemaker? If so, join us.

North Highland is the world’s leading change and transformation consultancy. Simply put, we make change happen like no one else and we’re on the hunt for a Director of Compensation and Benefits (Total Rewards) in our Atlanta, Georgia office.  The Director of Compensation and Benefits will lead the strategic development and execution of comprehensive compensation and benefits programs that attract, retain, and motivate top talent while ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance. This role combines strategic leadership with analytical expertise to drive our total rewards strategy forward.

You’ll be working alongside other changemakers in our firm to elevate brand awareness and engagement through our owned social channels, integrated campaign support, and employee advocacy programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Design and Strategy

Develop and implement innovative compensation and benefits strategies aligned with organizational objectives and market trends

Lead the annual compensation planning process, including salary structure updates, market analysis, and budget recommendations

Create and maintain competitive benefits programs that balance employee needs with organizational resources

Partner with executive leadership to develop long-term total rewards strategies that support business growth

Program Management

Oversee the administration of all compensation programs, including base pay, incentive compensation, and equity-based programs

Direct the management of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and voluntary benefit offerings

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation and benefits regulations

Evaluate program effectiveness through metrics and benchmarking studies

Leadership and Communication

Build and mentor a high-performing compensation and benefits team

Present compensation and benefits recommendations to senior leadership

Develop clear communication strategies for compensation and benefits programs

Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders on total rewards matters

Broker and Vendor Management

Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with insurance brokers and benefits consultants to optimize program offerings and cost management.

Responsible for leading broker selection processes, negotiating service agreements, and collaborating with brokers to develop innovative solutions that address evolving workforce needs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree a plus

Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits, including strategic leadership roles

Deep understanding of compensation philosophies, job architecture, and market pricing methodologies

Comprehensive knowledge of benefits program design, administration, and vendor management

Strong analytical skills with experience using compensation and benefits data to drive decisions

Expert knowledge of relevant laws and regulations (FLSA, ERISA, ACA, etc.)

Demonstrated experience leading organizational change and program implementation

Proven experience managing broker relationships and vendor partnerships

Track record of successful benefits program negotiations and renewals

Experience evaluating and selecting brokers across multiple program areas

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Relevant professional certifications (CCP, CEBS, SPHR)

Experience with mergers and acquisitions from a total rewards perspective

International compensation and benefits exposure

Experience with HRIS systems and compensation software platforms

Success Factors : The ideal candidate will demonstrate :

Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate future trends and opportunities

Strong business acumen and understanding of financial implications

Excellence in stakeholder management and executive communication

Data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making

Ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail

Track record of successful program implementation and change management

This position offers an opportunity to shape the organization's total rewards strategy while working with senior leadership to drive business success through effective compensation and benefits programs.

EXPECTATIONS :

Productivity – completes all work within the expected timeframe.

Accuracy of Work – completes all work in an accurate manner with few, if any, mistakes (especially with data).

Business Acumen – demonstrates capacity to operate role in line with the business needs, requirements, and changes.

Relationship Management – forms and maximizes relationships with business partners through effective and timely communication, responsiveness, knowledge share, and a solution-oriented approach.

Communication – provides clear messaging through emails, NH Weekly updates, power point presentations, etc. to inform and influence the business.

Cultural Awareness – demonstrates and utilizes an awareness of our culture and how data impacts, informs, and influences our culture.

TRANSFORMING CLIENTS. TRANSFORMING CAREERS.

Success—for both our clients and our colleagues—is all about putting people first and doing great things together. We believe that when we work as one team, we can take action today to build lasting capability for tomorrow.

We strive to have the most enviable culture on the planet, inspiring people to reach their full potential. Here’s how we make it happen :

Intentional, flexible growth. We never want you to settle. Leading your own growth and transformation is your prerogative—one which we’ll help you nurture and develop every step of the way. We’ll inspire you to learn, teach, and ultimately carve your own path. That means you grow, we grow, and so do our clients.

People-first, and then some. It goes without saying that people come first, but what comes next? Our people are always at the heart ; your wellbeing and success is built on a collective understanding that every one of us can be a coach, a friend, and a fantastic listener—regardless of job title. We think of it as a celebration of individuality, difference, and diversity.

Make your own change happen. With us, your curiosity and creativity know no bounds. The reins are off. All we ask is that you have the courage to transform yourself and those around you—colleagues and clients alike. If you’ve got the drive to become a changemaker, we’ll do the rest.

READY TO MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN?

North Highland makes change happen, helping businesses transform by placing people at the heart of every decision. It’s how lasting progress is made. With our blend of workforce, customer, and operational expertise, we’re recognized as the world’s leading transformation consultancy. We broke new ground today, so tomorrow is easier to navigate.

Founded in 1992, North Highland is regularly named one of the best places to work. We are a proud member of Cordence Worldwide, a global network of truly connected consultancy firms with the ability to think and deliver together.

This means North Highland has more than 3,500 experts in 50 offices around the globe on hand to partner with you.

For more information, visit

northhighland.com

and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Please note that applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by North Highland. Work visa sponsorship will not be provided, either now or in the future, for this position.

North Highland is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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