Compensation Manager Europe - 1 year Fixed Term Contract

Cognex Corporation; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognex Corporation seeks an experienced Compensation Manager for Europe on a one-year fixed-term maternity cover. The role leads compensation programs, collaborates with ES, Finance and Global Total Rewards, and ensures equity, market competitiveness, and compliance across Europe.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in HR or related field, 8+ years in regional compensation, and familiarity with Workday. Travel around 20% is expected in a fast-paced global environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business or equivalent is desired.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in a similar regional role is highly desirable.
• Experience at a consulting firm or global matrix technology company is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead compensation programs across Europe and support benchmarking activities.
• Review jobs, promotions, organizational changes, and offers for equity and compliance.
• Prepare compensation analyses and leadership presentations for decision-making.
• Partner with ES, Finance and Global Total Rewards to implement programs.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel & PowerPoint

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business or equivalent

Tools

Workday

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

Exposure to European compensation practices across multiple European countries

Additional Job Description

WE MAKE COMPUTERS THAT CAN SEE

Cognex is the largest, most successful and most recognized global player in industrial machine vision. Using advanced optics, image sensors, and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image, then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. Companies use Cognex vision and ID in their manufacturing processes to improve product quality, guide assembly robots, and track items through each stage of production and distribution. Cognex is focused entirely on solving the toughest problems in industrial machine vision and ID, and we have sold more solutions in these areas than any other company in the world. More than a billion products are made each day using Cognex vision. The only thing smarter than our vision and ID systems are the people that stand behind them. One of them could be you!