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Director, Compensation

Director, Compensation

AeroVironmentSimi Valley, CA, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Permanent
Job description

Director, Compensation

The Director, Compensation plays a strategic role in the support the design, implementation, and administration of our global compensation programs. This position plays a critical part in administering the AV total rewards strategy, ensuring programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business objectives. This position acts as a trusted advisor to the VP, Total Rewards, driving compensation strategy and overseeing all aspects of base pay, variable incentives, equity programs, and retention awards.

Position Responsibilities :

  • Develop, refine, and execute compensation strategies that align with the company's business and people objectives.
  • Support the design, implementation, and administration of base salary structures, short- and long-term incentive plans, equity programs, and retention / recognition awards.
  • Oversee annual and mid-year compensation planning processes, including merit increases, promotions, and bonus cycles.
  • Conduct regular market analyses to ensure compensation practices remain competitive and aligned with industry benchmarks.
  • Partner with Benefits, Talent Development, and HR Operations to create a seamless Total Rewards experience for employees.
  • Ensure compensation strategies are fully integrated with performance management, talent acquisition, and career development programs.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including California pay transparency laws and other international pay guidelines where applicable.
  • Maintain strong governance over job architecture, pay equity processes, and compensation policy adherence.
  • Streamline and enhance compensation processes to drive scalability and efficiency.
  • Leverage data, analytics, and technology to improve decision-making, reporting, and transparency.
  • Lead compensation-related initiatives for M&A and post-merger integration, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
  • Develop clear communication strategies to help employees understand and value compensation programs.
  • Craft executive presentations, dashboards, and data-driven narratives to inform leadership decisions and foster trust in pay practices.
  • Build organizational capability by coaching HR partners and business leaders on compensation best practices.
  • Implementation of a competitive, market-aligned compensation framework
  • Improved employee understanding and trust in compensation programs, measured via engagement surveys.
  • Demonstrable pay equity across roles and levels, supported by analytics and reporting.
  • Streamlined compensation processes leading to greater efficiency and scalability.
  • Enhanced collaboration across HR, Finance, and business leadership to drive unified people strategies.
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) :

  • Bachelor's degree is required in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Advanced degree, MBA or MS is highly preferred.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in compensation leadership roles, ideally within publicly traded govt. contracting organizations, technology, or high-growth companies.
  • 5+ years of people leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing comprehensive compensation strategies, including incentive plans for technical, and specialized roles.
  • Deep expertise in base pay, variable pay, and equity programs.
  • Equity program management.
  • Exceptional analytical and data storytelling skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences.
  • Strong understanding of California employment laws and U.S. compensation regulations.
  • Experience managing M&A-related compensation strategy and integration activities.

    • Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies :

  • Experience with global compensation programs and govt contractors. FAR regulations
  • Familiarity with Workday, Radford, Mercer, or other compensation benchmarking tools.
  • Advanced degree or certification (e.g., CCP Certified Compensation Professional) is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively
  • Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
  • Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
  • Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
  • Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision
  • Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks
  • Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
  • Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

    • Physical Demands :

  • Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
  • May require travel to sites / program and special functions.

    • Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance :

  • Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning / heating.
  • May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.

    • Special Requirements :

  • U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee / refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required. Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.

    • The salary range for this role is : $165,580 - $234,465. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education / training, and key skills.

    ITAR Requirement : This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and / or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and / or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

    Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9 / 80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

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    Director Compensation • Simi Valley, CA, US