Compensation Architect & Strategy Lead

Perplexity; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Perplexity is hiring a Compensation Lead to build and own our compensation function, shaping programs that support hiring, recognition, and retention. You will design the framework and day-to-day decisions across offers, promotions, and equity, while simplifying processes for managers and employees.

You will partner with Finance, People Operations, and leadership to benchmark roles, model costs, and ensure internal equity, delivering clear guidance and scalable tools for the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience building or rebuilding compensation frameworks and processes.
• Hands-on depth in market pricing, salary ranges, cash and equity programs.
• Strong analytical judgment with ability to audit models and reconcile data.
• Ability to influence decisions and present clear recommendations to leadership.
• Independent, hands-on execution with ability to manage urgent requests.
• Discretion and clear communication of compensation decisions.

Responsibilities

• Build the compensation foundation including philosophy, market positioning, and guidelines.
• Develop salary ranges and market benchmarks across functions and locations.
• Own day-to-day compensation decisions: offers, promotions, pay adjustments.
• Design and run compensation reviews with cross-functional teams.
• Model cost and impact of changes and present recommendations.
• Identify inconsistencies and address pay equity across teams and locations.
• Build processes and guidance so decisions don’t rely on individuals.
• Own data and tooling; manage benchmarking resources and reporting.

Skills

Compensation program design

Market pricing

Analytical judgment

Influence decisions

Independent execution

Discretion & communication

Job description

Perplexity is hiring a Compensation Lead to build and own our compensation function, shaping programs that support hiring, recognition, and retention. You will design the framework and day-to-day decisions across offers, promotions, and equity, while simplifying processes for managers and employees.

You will partner with Finance, People Operations, and leadership to benchmark roles, model costs, and ensure internal equity, delivering clear guidance and scalable tools for the organization.