Compensation Manager Europe - 1 year Fixed Term Contract

cognex; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognex is seeking an experienced Compensation Manager to lead European compensation programs and partner with global stakeholders to design, implement, and administer competitive rewards. You will balance strategy with execution and report to the Senior Director, Global Total Rewards.

You will collaborate with Employee Services, Finance and business leaders to ensure equitable, scalable pay practices, support governance, and drive market insights across Europe.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or business required or equivalent.
• 8+ years of relevant European regional compensation experience.
• Experience at a consulting firm or global matrix technology company.
• Exposure to European compensation practices across multiple European countries.

Responsibilities

• Lead compensation strategy and program management across Europe.
• Evaluate jobs, promotions, and offers for equity and compliance.
• Lead benchmarking and participate in external salary surveys.
• Perform market pricing analyses and advise on structures.
• Support annual compensation planning including merit increases.
• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, opportunities.
• Prepare presentations and governance documentation for leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Multilingual (EU)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR, Business or equivalent

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Workday HRIS

Job description

Job Description

The Role (One Year Fixed-Term for Maternity Cover)

We are seeking an experienced and business-focused Compensation Manager to lead compensation programs across Europe and partner closely with global stakeholders on the design, implementation, and administration of compensation initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director, Global Total Rewards, this role is an excellent opportunity for a compensation professional who enjoys balancing strategy with execution. The successful candidate will partner with Employee Services (ES), Finance, business leaders, and the Global Total Rewards team to ensure our compensation programs remain competitive, equitable, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.

Essential Functions

Compensation Strategy & Program Management

• Support the development, implementation, and administration of compensation programs across Europe.
• Evaluate jobs, promotions, organizational changes, and offers to ensure internal equity, market competitiveness, and compliance with local regulations.
• Lead compensation benchmarking activities and participate in external salary surveys.
• Conduct market pricing analyses and provide recommendations regarding salary structures and compensation practices.
• Support annual compensation planning activities, including merit increases, promotions, market adjustments, and bonus programs.
• Analyze compensation data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities to support business decision-making.
• Prepare compensation presentations, reporting, and recommendations for leadership review.

Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to ES Business Partners and business leaders on compensation-related matters.
• Consult on organizational design, job architecture, career frameworks, and pay decisions.
• Provide guidance on compensation policies, programs, and governance.
• Partner with regional ES teams to support local compensation initiatives and business growth plans.

Global Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Global Total Rewards team to ensure consistency and alignment of compensation philosophy and practices.
• Participate in global compensation projects, process improvements, and system enhancements.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of Cognex's compensation programs and rewards strategy.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with applicable employment regulations and pay transparency requirements across Europe.
• Support audits, reporting requirements, and governance processes related to compensation programs.
• Maintain accurate compensation documentation, procedures, and guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to quickly establish professional credibility and effective working relationships
• Keen instincts for solving complex issues using strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Strong process orientation, numerical aptitude and attention to detail
• Effective organizational, time management and project management skills
• Able to adapt to rapidly changing environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced culture
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Commercial awareness and understanding of business & financial concepts
• Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience
• Ability to work independently is required
• Ability to speak multiple languages besides English a plus
• HRIS experience with Workday a plus but not required
• Available to travel ~20%

Minimum education and work experience required

• Bachelor's Degree in HR, Business or equivalent is desired
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in a similar regional role is highly desirable, including experience working at a consulting firm or a global, matrix technology company
• Exposure to European compensation practices across multiple European countries