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Compensation Programs & Operations Lead

OpenAI

San Francisco, CAHybridPosted 12 days ago$270,000 - $320,000/year
Full TimeSenior LevelCorporate FunctionsAI Biotech
Original posting ↗

Summary

We're looking for a Compensation Programs & Operations Lead to own the end-to-end program management of our cyclical and ad hoc compensation programs globally. You will turn compensation priorities into executable plans and lead delivery from initial scoping through launch, reconciliation, and continuous improvement. This is a senior, hands-on role for a compensation subject-matter expert who is energized by operations and E2E program ownership.

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for a Compensation Programs & Operations Lead to own the end-to-end program management of our cyclical and ad hoc compensation programs globally. You will turn compensation priorities into executable plans and lead delivery from initial scoping through launch, reconciliation, and continuous improvement. This is a senior, hands-on role for a compensation subject-matter expert who is energized by operations and E2E program ownership.

In this role, you will:

  • Lead our compensation program portfolio. Own the integrated roadmap and calendar for cyclical and ad hoc programs, including compensation reviews, bonus and equity cycles, promotion-related compensation processes, recognition and retention initiatives, and new program launches.
  • Drive programs from planning through completion. Define scope, deliverables, milestones, accountable owners, dependencies, and resource needs. Coordinate work across teams, resolve blockers, and bring decisions and tradeoffs to the right owners early.
  • Translate compensation expertise into practical operations. Work with Compensation Partners and program owners to turn approved designs into clear eligibility rules, calculations, workflows, approval paths, and exception processes. Identify gaps and implementation risks before launch.
  • Stay close to the analysis and data. Build and review models, validate inputs and calculations, investigate discrepancies, and reconcile final outcomes. Be comfortable working directly in the details when a program needs it.
  • Build reliable execution controls. Establish quality checks, documented approvals, access controls, and audit trails. Coordinate accurate handoffs to Payroll, Equity Administration, and People Operations, with clear ownership through completion.
  • Shape compensation systems and tooling. Translate business needs into requirements, partner with People Technology on configuration and integrations, lead user acceptance testing, and prioritize improvements that reduce manual work and errors.
  • Manage incoming requests and changing priorities. Create a practical intake and prioritization process for ad hoc compensation initiatives. Make capacity, timing, and dependencies visible so urgent work can be delivered alongside recurring commitments.
  • Make programs easier to understand and use. Develop operating guides, manager resources, communications, and training. Equip Compensation Partners and other stakeholders to explain programs consistently and resolve questions efficiently.
  • Improve how the function operates. Measure accuracy, timeliness, manual effort, and stakeholder experience. Run post-cycle reviews and turn findings into simpler processes, stronger documentation, and effective automation.

You might thrive in this role if you:

  • Have 10+ years of progressive compensation experience, including substantial responsibility for global compensation programs and operations in a complex, fast-growing organization.
  • Have performed the core responsibilities of a Compensation Operations Analyst, Compensation Analyst, Compensation Partner, and Compensation Program Manager, whether through separate roles or a combination of positions.
  • Bring deep compensation expertise across base pay, incentives, equity, market benchmarking, salary structures, and job architecture, and understand how these elements translate into day-to-day administration.
  • Have independently led complex compensation cycles and new initiatives, coordinating multiple teams from planning and analysis through implementation and reconciliation.
  • Are deliberately drawn to an operations-focused role. You enjoy making programs work, improving the details, and building processes that others can rely on.
  • Combine strong analytical skills with practical systems experience, including advanced spreadsheet modeling and hands-on work with Workday or comparable HR and compensation platforms.
  • Can establish priorities and drive progress when requirements are incomplete or changing, while making thoughtful tradeoffs about speed, accuracy, and capacity.
  • Communicate clearly with senior leaders and working teams, influence across functions, and make ownership and next steps explicit.
  • Exercise sound judgment with confidential information and bring a high standard of accuracy, accountability, and service to your work.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of progressive compensation experience
  • Substantial responsibility for global compensation programs and operations in a complex, fast-growing organization
  • Performed core responsibilities of Compensation Operations Analyst, Compensation Analyst, Compensation Partner, and Compensation Program Manager
  • Deep compensation expertise across base pay, incentives, equity, market benchmarking, salary structures, and job architecture
  • Independently led complex compensation cycles and new initiatives
  • Strong analytical skills with advanced spreadsheet modeling
  • Hands-on work with Workday or comparable HR and compensation platforms
  • Ability to establish priorities and drive progress with incomplete or changing requirements
  • Clear communication with senior leaders and working teams
  • Sound judgment with confidential information

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Equity
  • Wellness Stipends
  • Learning & Development Stipend
  • Daily Meals
  • Relocation Support
  • Charitable Donation Matching

Company overview

OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research laboratory and company based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2015 by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, Wojciech Zaremba, and John Schulman, OpenAI initially operated as a non-profit research organization before transitioning to a capped-profit model. The company's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. OpenAI has developed groundbreaking AI technologies including GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) models, DALL-E for image generation, and Codex for programming assistance. Their most notable product, ChatGPT, has revolutionized human-AI interaction and brought large language models to mainstream audiences. OpenAI conducts cutting-edge research in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning, while also developing practical AI applications that are transforming industries worldwide.

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