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Compensation Strategy Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Compensation & Benefits Manager

Holly, MI · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Compensation Strategy and Administration * Develops, implements, and maintains competitive compensation programs aligned with company goals by conducting regular benchmarking, job evaluations, and ...

Compensation & Benefits Manager

Holly, MI · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Compensation Strategy and Administration * Develops, implements, and maintains competitive compensation programs aligned with company goals by conducting regular benchmarking, job evaluations, and ...

Compensation & Benefits Manager

Holly, MI

$70K - $95K/yr

Compensation Strategy and Administration * Develops, implements, and maintains competitive compensation programs aligned with company goals by conducting regular benchmarking, job evaluations, and ...

You will help shape compensation philosophy while ensuring the integrity of our compensation strategy and practices through execution of sound policy and governance practices. You will serve as a ...

Director, Sales Incentive Compensation

Three Rivers, MI · On-site

$115K - $157K/yr

This leader serves as a strategic partner to Brand Leadership, Sales Leadership, Commercial ... Incentive Compensation Strategy, Plan Design & Governance Partner with Brand and Sales Leadership ...

Sr Compensation Analyst

Novi, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Oversees participation in compensation surveys, ensuring data accuracy and interpreting survey results to inform compensation strategy and program design. Administers and continuously improves ...

Sr Compensation Analyst

Novi, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Oversees participation in compensation surveys, ensuring data accuracy and interpreting survey results to inform compensation strategy and program design. * Administers and continuously improves ...

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Compensation Strategy information

What is compensation strategy?

Compensation strategy refers to an organization's approach to designing and managing employee pay, benefits, and rewards to attract, motivate, and retain talent. It involves aligning compensation programs with business goals, market trends, and internal equity considerations. A well-developed compensation strategy helps ensure that employees are fairly rewarded for their work and that the company remains competitive in the job market. It typically includes salary structures, incentive plans, and benefits offerings tailored to the organization's objectives.

How does a compensation strategy professional typically collaborate with HR and business leaders to develop effective pay structures?

Compensation Strategy professionals work closely with HR teams and business leaders to align pay structures with organizational goals and market benchmarks. They participate in regular meetings to discuss workforce trends, company performance, and budget constraints, ensuring that compensation plans attract and retain top talent. This role often involves analyzing salary data, proposing adjustments, and presenting recommendations to leadership for approval, fostering a collaborative environment that balances business needs with employee satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in compensation strategy, and why are they important?

To thrive in Compensation Strategy, you need a strong background in data analysis, compensation principles, and human resources, often supported by a degree in HR, finance, or business. Familiarity with compensation management software, HRIS systems, and certifications like CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) is highly valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills set top performers apart in this field. These capabilities ensure fair, competitive, and compliant compensation programs that drive employee engagement and organizational success.

What is the difference between Compensation Strategy vs Compensation Analyst?

AspectCompensation StrategyCompensation Analyst
Primary FocusDeveloping overall compensation plans and policiesAnalyzing salary data and market trends
ResponsibilitiesDesigning pay structures, benefits, and incentive programsConducting salary surveys, data analysis, and reporting
Required CredentialsHR or compensation certifications, relevant experienceDegree in HR, finance, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, policy development, cross-department collaborationData analysis, reporting, supporting compensation decisions

While Compensation Strategy focuses on creating and guiding overall pay policies and structures, Compensation Analysts implement these strategies through data analysis and market research. Both roles are essential in ensuring competitive and equitable compensation practices within organizations.

What is an example of a compensation strategy?

A compensation strategy is a plan that organizations use to determine how to pay employees, often balancing base salary, bonuses, benefits, and incentives to attract and retain talent. For example, a company might implement a performance-based pay system that rewards employees for achieving specific goals, aligning compensation with organizational objectives. Developing an effective strategy requires understanding industry standards, job roles, and employee motivation factors.

What skills do you need to be a compensation strategy analyst?

A compensation strategy analyst needs strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel or HRIS systems, and a solid understanding of compensation structures and market trends. Excellent communication skills and the ability to interpret and present data effectively are also essential for developing competitive pay strategies.

What are popular job titles related to Compensation Strategy jobs in Michigan?

For Compensation Strategy jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compensation Strategy jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Compensation Strategy jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Compensation Strategy jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Compensation Strategy job openings:

Infographic showing various Compensation Strategy job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Director, Compensation, Benefits & Payroll (3358)

Ironclad Environmental Solutions

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Ironclad Environmental Solutions rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Compensation, Benefits & Payroll leads the enterprise Total Rewards function for IRONCLAD Powered by Mersino. This role is responsible for compensation strategy, benefits design, payroll governance, HRIS compensation administration, compliance, and continuous improvement across a growing industrial services organization with more than 1,100 employees operating from over 70 locations across the United States.

The Director partners closely with Finance, Operations, HR Business Partners, Payroll, and executive leadership to build scalable programs that attract, retain, and reward talent while ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and financial discipline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Compensation Strategy and Total Rewards Leadership - 25%

  • Develop and execute the enterprise compensation philosophy and total rewards strategy.
  • Lead annual compensation planning including merit, promotions, market adjustments, and incentive programs.
  • Design salary structures, job grades, pay bands, and market pricing methodology.
  • Conduct pay equity analyses and recommend corrective actions.
  • Partner with Finance on labor budgeting and workforce planning.
  • Support acquisitions and compensation harmonization.

Benefits Strategy and Vendor Management - 20%

  • Lead all health and welfare benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA/HSA, and 401(k).
  • Manage brokers, consultants, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators.
  • Lead annual renewals and Open Enrollment.
  • Develop employee communications and education materials.
  • Monitor utilization, costs, and vendor performance.

Payroll Governance and Compliance - 15%

  • Provide strategic oversight of multi-state payroll operations.
  • Partner with Payroll leadership to ensure timely, accurate payroll processing.
  • Strengthen payroll controls, audits, and compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with FLSA, wage and hour laws, and payroll regulations.

Job Architecture and Organizational Design - 10%

  • Maintain enterprise job architecture, career frameworks, and salary grades.
  • Support organizational design and workforce planning initiatives.

Compliance and Risk Management - 10%

  • Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS reporting, and applicable federal and state laws.
  • Maintain policies and documentation supporting regulatory compliance.

Analytics and Financial Reporting - 8%

  • Develop executive dashboards and KPIs.
  • Analyze compensation, benefits, and labor cost trends.
  • Present recommendations to executive leadership.

HR Technology and Process Improvement - 5%

  • Partner with HRIS to optimize Paycom compensation and benefits modules.
  • Improve automation, reporting, and data integrity.

Strategic Projects and M&A Integration - 5%

  • Lead compensation and benefits integration for acquisitions.
  • Standardize programs across legacy organizations.

Leadership and Employee Communications - 2%

  • Lead and develop the Total Rewards team.
  • Develop manager and employee education related to compensation, payroll, and benefits.

Measures of Performance

  • Compensation harmonization milestones achieved
  • Payroll accuracy above 99.5%
  • Benefits costs within budget
  • ACA reporting completed with zero penalties
  • Pay equity variance below 3%
  • Open Enrollment participation above 95%
  • Employee satisfaction with Total Rewards
  • Vendor performance and renewal savings
  • Executive dashboard accuracy and timeliness
  • Compliance audit results

Key Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills

  • Enterprise compensation strategy
  • Benefits plan design
  • Payroll governance
  • Job architecture
  • Market pricing and salary surveys
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Financial acumen
  • HR analytics
  • Paycom or comparable HRIS
  • Multi-state compliance
  • Executive communication
  • Project management
  • Continuous improvement
  • Change leadership

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
  2. 10+ years of progressive Total Rewards, Compensation, Benefits, or Payroll leadership experience.
  3. Experience supporting 1,000+ employees across multiple locations.
  4. Industrial services, construction, manufacturing, equipment rental, logistics, or field services experience preferred.
  5. Experience leading compensation strategy, benefits administration, and payroll governance.
  6. CCP, CEBS, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or CPP certifications preferred.

Leadership Expectations

The Director is expected to operate as the enterprise leader for Compensation, Benefits, and Payroll. Success is measured by building scalable Total Rewards programs that support growth, improve employee experience, maintain compliance, strengthen financial stewardship, and provide executive leaders with actionable workforce insights.


What Ironclad Environmental Solutions employees say

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