Compensation Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

As our Senior Manager of Compensation, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how we recognize, reward, and invest in our people. You will lead the strategy and execution of enterprise-wide compensation programs, including base salary structures, short and long-term incentives, and equity plans, ensuring they are competitive, equitable, scalable, and aligned with our business objectives and culture. This role is an individual contributor position focused on company-wide partnership.

Work Environment:

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer. Relocation assistance is available for candidates located outside of commuting distance to the headquarters office. 

Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks

Our pursuit of a better way isn't just about our products—it's about our people too.  That's why our Dam Good Crew enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support their well-being and success.

• Multiple Medical plan options 

• Dental & Vision plans 

• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Health Savings Account including company contributions  

• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D

• Company paid Short-Term Disability

• Other various voluntary benefits including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance

• 401(k) Employer Match 

• Parental Leave

• Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

• Paid Time Off: take it as you need it policy for exempt employees

• Daily pay available  

• 40% Employee Discount 

• Flexible Fridays 

• Onsite fitness center

Position Compensation Outline 

Compensation Range: $105,000 - $140,000/year 

This position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program. 

Relocation assistance is available for candidates located outside of commuting distance to the headquarters office. 

Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience, and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change.

What You’ll Do: 

• Execute a comprehensive compensation strategy aligned with organizational goals, incorporating market trends, industry benchmarks, and internal financial considerations.
• Partner with the Director of HR Operations to prepare materials, analyses, and recommendations for the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Lead the planning and forecasting of annual equity award programs and oversee the execution of stock agreements and participant communications.
• Drive the organization’s pay transparency strategy and conduct annual pay equity analyses to support fair and unbiased compensation practices.
• Design and maintain a competitive job architecture and salary structure, including geographic pay differentials across corporate and field positions.
• Design and model performance-based compensation programs, including corporate bonus and field incentive plans, using advanced financial modeling in Google Workspace tools to support forecasting, cost analysis, and compensation recommendations.
• Conduct compensation program reviews, market benchmarking, and job evaluations to ensure competitive pay practices, accurate job classification, and data-driven recommendations for executive leadership.
• Develop and implement communication strategies that educate employees and stakeholders on compensation programs, policies, and career growth opportunities.
• Lead the annual merit review process, including budget planning, salary adjustment recommendations, and stakeholder communications.
• Analyze HR and compensation data to generate insights, forecasts, and reports on compensation trends and program costs.
• Respond to employee compensation inquiries and resolve issues in a timely, professional, and equitable manner.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to provide strategic business counsel on compensation matters.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or Equivalent - Equivalent work experience will be considered. 
• 7+ years of progressive compensation experience.
• Advanced Google Workspace proficiency, specifically in Excel or Google Sheets (nested formulas, complex data modeling, and visualization).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience conducting statistical analysis, what-if modeling, and compensation forecasting. 
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex compensation data into clear, actionable insights for leadership. 
• Experience designing compensation programs for high-volume, geographically dispersed multi-location and multi-business unit operations. I.e. Fulfillment, stores, contact center, corporate.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage data-driven analytics to develop informed compensation recommendations and business insights. 
• Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive compensation matters with professionalism. 
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align compensation programs and initiatives to broader organizational goals and objectives. 
• Experience preparing materials for the Board of Directors, including executive compensation analysis is preferred. 
• Preferred experience working with Payfactors, UKG, or other related HR Technologies. 
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Leadership Competencies:

Leading Self:

      Leading Others:

• Inspiring Trust
• Adaptability
• Mature Confidence
• Career and Self Development

• Driving Execution
• Building Organizational Relationships
• Empowering Others
• Fostering Open Dialogue
• Attracting & Developing Talent
• Leadership Versatility

Physical Environment & Travel Expectations:

• Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing)
• Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending.
• Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting.

The responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all duties inherent in the job. Duluth Trading Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

#LIONSITE

Started in 1989, Duluth Trading Company exists to enable hard-working individuals to take on life with their own two hands. Folks that revel in doing it the hard way and celebrate finding a better way. We seek talented individuals who share these beliefs and are excited to further the Duluth Trading legacy with a digital-first mindset, always moving forward and always innovating.

From ingenious Duluth workwear, to comfortably capable Buck Naked Underwear, to outside-embracing AKHG, it’s all about the innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a more hands-on way of life.

Top-notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and the shared belief that the go-all-in-and-dig-deep spirit exists with everyone are what sets Duluth Trading Co. apart. We seek talented folks looking to be part of a can-do team that’s hellbent on helping the world to gear up, get its hands dirty, and do.