Compensation Manager

About Forbes

Forbes is a renowned global media company that has represented success for over 100 years. Through impactful journalism, Forbes highlights the achievements and innovations of top industry figures, entrepreneurs, and creators, reaching an audience exceeding 140 million monthly worldwide. The brand encompasses ForbesLive events and numerous licensed editions internationally.

Role Overview

This position involves serving as a strategic expert and partner in compensation program development, execution, and management. Reporting to the SVP of Total Rewards & HR Technology, this individual will support around 500 employees across North America, as well as some in the UK and Asia, ensuring compensation practices are competitive, equitable, and compliant. Key responsibility includes partnering on compensation strategy related to the forthcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise HR and top management on compensation strategies and pay decisions.
• Offer guidance on complex compensation issues across multiple business areas including sales, newsroom, data intelligence, commerce, licensing, and corporate functions, balancing market competitiveness, internal fairness, and budget constraints.
• Oversee the design, rollout, and management of base salary schemes, incentive programs, and compensation processes like merit and bonus reviews.
• Perform market pricing, conduct salary surveys, and benchmarking to inform pay practices and secure competitive stance.
• Collaborate with leadership, HR, and Legal teams on compensation matters related to the company’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Ensure complying with US and applicable international compensation laws, including pay transparency legislation.
• Manage relationships and assess performance of external compensation vendors and consultants including survey providers and technology partners.
• Utilize HR systems and compensation technologies to enhance efficiency, precision, and scalability of compensation programs.
• Work with the HR Technology team to improve tools, reports, and processes; identify and implement automation and continuous enhancements.
• Coordinate with HR Business Partners, Finance, Recruitment, and leadership for compensation planning and organizational change support.
• Collaborate with Finance on annual incentive planning, defining performance metrics and incentive components.
• Provide training and advice on compensation policies and procedures to relevant stakeholders.
• Lead the creation and distribution of employee compensation statements, ensuring accuracy and alignment with approved decisions.
• Maintain supporting documentation and templates to facilitate consistent and scalable compensation communication.

Candidate Profile

• 5 to 7 years of experience in compensation management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or a similar field; certifications like CCP preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills including patience, clarity, and ability to influence and achieve alignment.
• Effective relationship-building skills with a keen understanding of organizational goals and changing business needs.
• Excellent communication and advisory skills to work with managers of varying experience and knowledge.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel including pivot tables, modeling, and data analysis.
• Proven experience evaluating and managing external compensation vendors, systems, and market data providers.
• Familiarity with compensation tools and vendor management; knowledge of Payscale considered a plus.
• Extensive experience with HR information systems and driving process improvements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of US multi-state compensation compliance standards and wage laws.
• Experience in unionized environments is a beneficial addition.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively in ambiguous and fast-paced settings.

Compensation Details

The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is $120,000 to $135,000. This range is based on experience, education, skills, company budget and market standards but may be adjusted as needed. The job description may also evolve as business needs change.

Additional Information

Forbes offers work flexibility aligned with role requirements. This position is open only to candidates residing within the United States in specified states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington due to operational and compliance reasons. Forbes is committed to equal employment opportunity.

Legal Notices

Staff and applicant privacy is safeguarded, and the company participates in the E-Verify program.