Compensation Manager

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with an organization in Kansas City, MO, and assisting them search for a new Compensation Manager. The Compensation Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing compensation programs, policies, and practices that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational strategy. This role plays a critical part in supporting talent acquisition, retention, and engagement while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Compensation Manager serves as a subject‑matter expert and trusted advisor to HR partners, leaders, and managers, providing data‑driven insights and guidance on compensation decisions across the organization.

This role is based in Kansas City, MO, and will entertain candidates who are open to relocation to the Kansas City metro, with relocation assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation Strategy & Program Design

• Design, implement, and manage base and variable compensation programs, including merit increases, bonus plans, and incentive programs.
• Lead job evaluation, market pricing, and the development and ongoing maintenance of salary structures.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking and market analyses to ensure pay practices remain competitive and aligned with market trends.

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• Administer the annual compensation review process, including merit increases, promotions, and incentive payouts.

Advisory & Partnership

• Partner closely with HR Business Partners and Talent Acquisition to ensure compensation offers are equitable, competitive, and aligned with internal structures.
• Advise managers and senior leaders on compensation decisions, job offers, policy interpretation, and pay practices.
• Provide expertise and recommendations to support workforce planning, retention strategies, and organizational growth.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable compensation‑related laws and regulations, including FLSA, pay transparency requirements, and EEO guidelines.

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• Support or lead pay equity analyses and other compliance‑driven compensation initiatives.
• Participate in or lead compensation‑related projects, including system implementations, audits, and merger or acquisition activities.

Analytics, Systems & Vendors

• Manage relationships with external compensation survey vendors and consultants.
• Utilize HRIS systems and advanced Excel analysis to support compensation modeling, reporting, and decision‑making.
• Develop and deliver compensation‑related training and communications for HR partners and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive compensation or total rewards experience, including experience leading or supervising teams.
• Strong knowledge of compensation principles, job architecture, pay structures, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with global compensation practices and job architecture frameworks is a plus.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) strongly preferred.
• Advanced analytical skills with strong proficiency in Excel and experience working with HRIS platforms.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.