Compensation, Benefits & Rewards Lead

About NestAI

NestAI is a European artificial intelligence laboratory specialized in defense technology, developing the adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations. Our core product, NestOS, is an open, modular, and interoperable platform designed to enable scalable capability evolution under sovereign European control. Founded in 2025 by Peter Sarlin, NestAI comprises over 150 engineers and scientists working alongside top European defense forces and industry partners.

Role Overview

We seek a Compensation, Benefits & Rewards Lead passionate about building foundational HR frameworks within a rapidly expanding company. Reporting to the Head of People and Culture, you will lead company-wide initiatives focusing on compensation structures, employee rewards, and support international growth, ensuring our HR practices stay fair, scalable, and practical.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the company’s compensation philosophy, frameworks, and reward practices, including benchmarking, pay equity, and compensation reviews across diverse markets.
• Create clear guidance for leaders to make equitable and consistent compensation decisions, integrating rewards with employee career progression.
• Lead the People operations during international expansions by coordinating with Legal, Finance, Payroll, and external consultants to build scalable processes and templates.
• Maintain regulatory compliance while ensuring pragmatic and employee-centric HR practices.
• Continuously enhance and scale People-related processes and utilize AI tools to automate and improve HR operations.
• Collaborate closely with Talent Acquisition, Marketing, IT, Security, Finance, and Legal teams to optimize overall operations.
• Take initiative to identify opportunities for improvements within the People function.

Candidate Profile

• Proven ability to establish comprehensive compensation frameworks encompassing base salary, equity, and benefits that drive business growth and employee engagement.
• Comfortable operating strategically at a high level while also effectively executing operational implementations.
• Analytical and independent thinker skilled at developing frameworks from the ground up with successful stakeholder management and buy-in.
• Experience working internationally with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in European languages such as Swedish or German is a strong advantage.

Success Indicators After 6-12 Months

• Compensation and reward systems that are clear, fair, consistent, and easy for leaders to apply.
• Leaders confidently making compensation-related decisions backed by transparent principles and practical resources.
• A scalable and compliant foundation enabling smooth international market expansions without reinventing core HR processes.
• People practices that effectively accommodate company growth while preserving a positive employee experience.

Why Join NestAI

At NestAI, you will contribute to meaningful, real-world AI technology alongside a world-class team of engineers and scientists. You will work on dependable systems crucial to European security, solving complex problems that require trust and expertise. Our small, AI-augmented team moves swiftly and delivers impact exceeding its size, granting you genuine ownership and high operational autonomy.

Benefits & Perks

• Occupational healthcare (currently through Mehiläinen)
• Epassi Flex benefit covering sports, culture, commuting, and wellbeing
• Lunch benefit providing 25% tax-free subsidy
• Mental wellbeing support services (Auntie)
• Regular team lunches and all-hands meetings
• Choice between Mac or PC for work
• Holiday allowance equivalent to 50% of holiday pay
• Phone benefit covering subscription and device according to company policy

Additional Information

Employment is subject to applicable security screenings, including SUPO checks where relevant. NestAI is committed to equal opportunity employment, considering candidates solely on their skills, experience, and potential.