Compensation Architect: Lead Pay, Equity & Programs

Perplexity; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Perplexity is seeking a Compensation Lead to build and own our compensation function. You’ll design programs, establish ranges, and manage day-to-day offers, promotions, and pay questions. You’ll work with Finance, People Operations, Payroll, and equity partners to ensure accurate implementation and alignment with market data.

You’ll develop salary ranges, benchmark roles across locations, and influence leadership with clear trade-offs, while maintaining equity and budget considerations.

Qualifications

• Experience building compensation programs and leading programs with limited infrastructure.
• Hands-on expertise in market pricing, salary ranges, cash and equity programs, and pay recommendations.
• Strong analytical judgment with ability to audit models and explain assumptions.
• Ability to influence decisions and present trade-offs to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Build the compensation foundation and set philosophy, ranges, and guidelines.
• Own day-to-day compensation decisions including offers, promotions, and pay adjustments.
• Design and run compensation reviews, calendars, and approval processes.
• Collaborate with Finance, People Operations, Payroll, and equity partners to implement decisions.
• Model cost and impact of proposed changes and present trade-offs to leadership.
• Address pay inequities across teams, levels, and locations; coordinate reviews with legal.

Skills

Compensation design

Market pricing

Data analysis

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Perplexity is seeking a Compensation Lead to build and own our compensation function. You’ll design programs, establish ranges, and manage day-to-day offers, promotions, and pay questions. You’ll work with Finance, People Operations, Payroll, and equity partners to ensure accurate implementation and alignment with market data.

You’ll develop salary ranges, benchmark roles across locations, and influence leadership with clear trade-offs, while maintaining equity and budget considerations.