Variable Operations Director Jobs in Detroit, MI

Job Type:
Full time
Exempt/Non Exempt:
Salary
Job Description:
Location Details:
This position can work remotely from a home office for day-to-day operations. Will travel to Dearborn, MI or Tampa, FL once a quarter.
Position Schedule:
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Position Summary:
Responsible for leading the administration function supporting the organization's variable compensation programs. Accountable for end-to-end administration accuracy and service delivery outcomes. Executes approved plan designs; does not determine plan structure of strategy. Oversees the operational processes, controls, and teams responsible for incentive compensation administration, participant support, appeals management, testing and validation, operational reporting, and issue resolution activities. Ensure programs are administered accurately, consistently, and in accordance with approved plan provisions, policies, and business requirements. Through a combination of subordinate leadership and individual contributors, establishes service standards, operational controls, and administration practices that support an effective participant experience while maintaining appropriate compliance and governance requirements. Partners closely with Payroll, Finance, HR Systems, Compliance, and business teams to support the successful administration of enterprise variable compensation programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the administration function through subordinate leadership and individual contributors.
• Establish team priorities, service standards, operational goals and roadmaps, and performance expectations.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, development planning, talent management, and succession planning.

Variable Compensation Administration

• Oversee administration of variable compensation programs and approved plan provisions.
• Direct participant support activities, inquiries, issue resolution, escalations, and administration requests.
• Maintain administration procedures, controls, and documentation standards.

Appeals & Issue Resolution

• Oversee compensation appeals and exception processes.
• Own risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution related to compensation processes, data quality, system configurations, and program administration to minimize business and compliance risks.
• Identify trends and implement process improvements.

Testing & Operational Controls

• Lead testing, validation, and quality assurance activities supporting compensation programs, annual compensation cycles, and system enhancements to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain robust operational controls, governance standards, and audit-ready documentation to support regulatory compliance, data integrity, and process consistency.
• Maintain quality assurance processes and operational controls.
• Partner closely with HR Systems, Payroll, Finance, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless compensation administration, operational readiness, and successful implementation of system and process changes.

Reporting & Operational Effectiveness

• Oversee operational reporting and administration metrics.
• Monitor service levels, administration performance, and process effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating control effectiveness, monitoring process performance, and implementing enhancements that strengthen audit readiness, operational efficiency, and stakeholder confidence.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Payroll, Finance, HR Systems, Compliance, and business teams to support administration requirements.
• Provide administration expertise and operational guidance related to compensation programs.
• Support implementation of compensation program changes and new initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities (briefly describe, if applicable, or indicate None):

• Oversee and direct the work of a manager and professional staff responsible for variable compensation administration activities.
• Select, hire, train, develop, coach, and manage assigned personnel in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Establish performance expectations, operational goals, and development plans for assigned team members.

Qualifications:
Required
Education (include minimum education and any licensing/certifications):

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Eight or more years of progressive experience in variable compensation administration
• Five or more years of leadership experience managing compensation professional staff and/or leaders.
• Experience in:
  • Leading operational teams responsible for participant support, issue resolution, appeals management, testing, validation, and administration activities.
  • Administering complex variable compensation, commission, incentive, or bonus programs.
  • Developing and implementing operational processes, controls, and service delivery standards.
  • Operating within Varicent, Workday, or similar compensation administration technologies.
  • Partnering with Payroll, Finance, HR Systems, Compliance, and business teams to support operational objectives.

Expert Knowledge of:

• Variable compensation administration principles, practices, and processes.
• Incentive compensation, commission, and bonus program administration.
• Operational controls, quality assurance, and risk management practices.
• Testing, validation, and administration support methodologies.
• Compensation payment processes and operational workflows.
• Reporting, data management, and administration metrics.
• Payroll, Finance, Compliance, and HR Systems business processes.
• Sales compensation, agent compensation, and incentive compensation environments.
• Process improvement and operational effectiveness principles.

Advanced Skills:
Foundational Leadership Skills

• Business Acumen & Decision Making
• Talent Leadership & Development
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
• Execution & Results Management

Role-Specific Skills

• Variable Compensation Administration
• Operational Excellence & Process Management
• Testing, Controls & Risk Management
• Participant Support & Operational Reporting

Preferred
Experience

• Experience supporting variable compensation design initiatives and implementation activities.
• Insurance industry experience.

Work Environment:
This position can work remotely from a home office for day-to-day operations. Will travel to Dearborn, MI or Tampa, FL roughly once a quarter.
Compensation & Benefits Overview:
ACG complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding required benefits (including PTO, paid sick leave, etc.).
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $127,000 - $175,000 with annual bonus potential, based on performance.
Benefits
At ACG, we offer a comprehensive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.
Health & Wellness

• Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.
• Prescription drug coverage.
• Dental and vision benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services).

Financial Protection & Insurance

• Company-paid basic life insurance.
• Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options.

Retirement & Savings

• 401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals. 3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax. Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting. Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options.

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment. Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements. Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is scheduled to work and will accrue at a minimum of 3 hours per month.
• Paid Holidays: Full-time employees are eligible for 10 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays and 1 volunteer day. Holidays vary by business unit schedules. Part-time employees are eligible for 8 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day and 2 floating holidays. Holidays vary by business unit schedules.
• Paid leave programs, including parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave.

Career Growth & Education

• Tuition assistance (up to $5,250 annually; 80% covered by ACG).
• Professional certification support with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement.

Additional Perks

• Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts.
• Adoption assistance program.

Job Posting Period:
This position is expected to remain posted through 8/14/2026; however, it may close at any time once a qualified candidate pool is identified.
Who We Are
Become a part of something bigger.
The Auto Club Group (ACG) provides membership, travel, insurance, and financial service offerings to approximately 14+ million members and customers across 14 states and 2 U.S. territories through AAA, Meemic, and Fremont brands. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation and is the second largest AAA club in North America.
By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life's journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.
And when you join our team, one of the first things you'll notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.
We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, realizing our differences make us stronger.
To learn more about AAA The Auto Club Group visit www.aaa.com
Important Note:
ACG's Compensation philosophy is to provide a market-competitive structure of fair, equitable and performance-based pay to attract and retain excellent talent that will enable ACG to meet its short and long-term goals. ACG utilizes a geographic pay differential as part of the base salary compensation program. Pay ranges outlined in this posting are based on the various ranges within the geographic areas which ACG operates. Salary at time of offer is determined based on these and other factors as associated with the job and job level.
The above statements describe the principal and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job. This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfill these requirements.
The Auto Club Group, and all its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job.
AAA The Auto Club Group is committed to providing a safe workplace. Every applicant offered employment within The Auto Club Group will be required to consent to a background and drug screen based on the requirements of the position.