Associate Director, Compensation

Barings; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Barings is seeking an Associate Director, Compensation to lead complex compensation programs, analyses, and processes in support of the firm’s Total Rewards strategy. This role partners with HRBPs, Talent, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to deliver equitable and scalable compensation solutions.

The role requires ownership of the annual compensation cycle, market pricing, and pay structure development, ensuring internal equity and compliance across regions, including Charlotte and London.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or related field preferred.
• 4–6 years in compensation, total rewards, HR analytics, or related experience.
• Advanced Excel and data modeling capabilities.
• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS.
• Ability to collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, Talent, and leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex market pricing, benchmarking, and pay positioning analyses across functions and regions.
• Own components of the annual compensation cycle (merit, incentive, promotion, year-end planning).
• Develop compensation models, reports, and dashboards for leadership decisions.
• Provide compensation guidance to HRBP and business leaders; address complex matters.
• Lead or support job evaluation, leveling, and pay structure development for internal equity.
• Identify process improvements and strengthen governance of compensation procedures.
• Maintain, audit, and analyze compensation data in Workday and related systems.
• Monitor practices for compliance with policies and market standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Modeling

Data interpretation

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, Economics, Analytics, or related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognize those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients.

We thank you for your interest in joining the Barings team, and invite you to explore our current employment opportunities.

Title: Associate Director, Compensation

Business Unit: Human Resources- Total Rewards

Location: London, UK or Charlotte, NC

Barings is a leading global financial services firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients and customers. Through active asset management and direct origination, we provide innovative solutions and access to differentiated opportunities across public and private capital markets. A subsidiary of MassMutual, Barings maintains a strong global presence with business and investment professionals located across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Job Summary

The Compensation Associate Director role leads complex compensation programs, analyses, and processes that support the firm’s compensation strategy and business objectives. This role serves as a subject matter expert within Total Rewards, partnering closely with HR Business Partners, Talent teams, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to deliver competitive, equitable, compliant, and scalable compensation solutions. The role is accountable for multiple compensation processes and programs, anticipates and resolves complex business issues, and may lead initiatives or coordinate the work of others.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead complex market pricing, compensation survey participation, benchmarking, and pay positioning analyses across functions and regions
• Own key components of the annual compensation cycle, including merit, incentive, promotion, and year-end planning activities
• Develop compensation recommendations, models, reports, and dashboards that inform HR, Finance, and business leadership decisions
• Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to provide compensation guidance, evaluate pay decisions, and address complex compensation matters
• Lead or support job evaluation, leveling, business title alignment, and pay structure development to promote consistency and internal equity
• Identify process improvements, strengthen governance, and enhance compensation procedures, tools, and controls
• Maintain, audit, and analyze compensation data in Workday and related systems to ensure accuracy, consistency, and readiness for decision-making
• Monitor compensation practices for compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and market standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Economics, Analytics, or related field preferred
• Typically 4-6 years of progressive compensation, total rewards, HR analytics, or related experience
• Advanced working knowledge of compensation principles, market pricing, job evaluation, pay equity, incentive planning, and annual compensation processes
• Experience partnering with HR Business Partners, Finance, Legal, Talent, and senior business stakeholders
• Strong analytical, modeling, and data interpretation skills; advanced Excel skills required
• Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS/compensation systems preferred
• Ability to manage multiple processes or programs, exercise judgment and discretion, and recommend practical solutions to complex business issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex compensation concepts for varied audiences
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, take accountability, foster trust, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment

Barings is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; Minority/Female/Age/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply.