Compensation Director

Suffolk Construction; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

On-site gym

Cafeteria

Job summary

Suffolk Construction is seeking a Compensation Director to lead analysis, design, and administration of its compensation programs in support of attracting, retaining, and rewarding talent. The role collaborates closely with HR, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness.

The position emphasizes on-site presence in the Boston office with a robust total rewards approach, including governance, data analytics, reporting, and ongoing program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources,Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field required.
• 5-8 years of progressive compensation experience.
• Experience with market pricing, salary structures, compensation analysis, and annual compensation processes.
• Experience partnering with HR and business stakeholders to support compensation decisions.
• Certifications such as CCP/SHRM-CP/PHR/SPHR are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support design, implementation, and administration of compensation programs.
• Assist in development of job architecture.
• Participate in annual compensation planning incl. merit increases, promotions, market adjustments, and incentives.
• Analyze compensation data and provide business-aligned recommendations.
• Monitor market trends and best practices to support competitive pay.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for HR leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Regulatory knowledge

Compensation principles

Job evaluation

Market pricing

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Finance/Economics

Tools

HRIS

Oracle HRIS

Compensation management systems

Job description

The Compensation Director is responsible for supporting, analyzing, and administering compensation programs that attract, retain , and motivate employees while ensuring internal equity, market competitiveness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role combines hands‑on analytical responsibilities with strategic program management, partnering closely with Human Resources, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders to develop and maintain effective compensation practices that support organizational objectives .

This role requires an on‑site presence 4 days a week in our amazing Boston office - which offers free parking, a free on‑site gym and cafeteria and other perks that make for a great culture and unique employee experience!

Responsibilities

Compensation Analysis & Program Administration

• Support the design, implementation, and administration of compensation programs, policies, and practices.
• Support the implementation of the a newly design job architecture
• Participate in annual compensation planning activities, including merit increases, promotions, market adjustments, and incentive programs.
• Analyze compensation data and provide recommendations aligned with business goals and talent strategies.
• Monitor market trends and compensation best practices to support competitive pay programs.

Market Analysis & Job Evaluation

• Conduct compensation benchmarking using salary surveys, market data, and industry trends.
• Evaluate positions and recommend appropriate salary grades, pay ranges, and compensation levels.
• Perform internal equity analyses and identify opportunities to improve pay consistency and competitiveness.
• Maintain job descriptions, job architecture, compensation structures, and career frameworks.

Incentive & Variable Pay Programs

• Assist in the design, administration, and analysis of short‑term and long‑term incentive programs.
• Partner with Finance, HR, and business leaders to ensure incentive plans support organizational objectives .
• Monitor program effectiveness and provide recommendations for enhancements.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compensation programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support pay equity reviews, compensation audits, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain compensation policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations for HR leadership and business stakeholders.

Business Partnership & Consulting

• Provide compensation guidance and recommendations to HR Business Partners, managers, and department leaders.
• Support Talent Acquisition by evaluating job offers and ensuring market‑aligned compensation decisions.
• Assist with compensation recommendations related to new hires, promotions, transfers, and organizational changes.
• Present compensation analyses and findings to stakeholders and leadership teams.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Develop and maintain compensation reports, dashboards, and key metrics.
• Support imp leme ntation of Oracle H RIS
• Analyze compensation data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare presentations and recommendations based on compensation insights and workforce data.
• Utilize HRIS, compensation management systems, and advanced Excel tools to support decision‑making.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources , Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field required .

Experience

• 5-8 years of progressive compensation experience.
• Experience with market pricing, salary structures, compensation analysis, and annual compensation processes.
• Experience partnering with HR and business stakeholders to support compensation decisions.
• Project leadership or informal team leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong understanding of compensation principles, job evaluation methodologies, and market pricing techniques.
• Knowledge of compensation‑related laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with HRIS and compensation management systems.
• Effective communication, presentation, and consulting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and work independently.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stands; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk.

Compensation Information

Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk’s total compensation package. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall compensation strategy.

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self‑perform construction, and technology start‑up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds.

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $9 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , YouTube , and Instagram.

At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That’s why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially.

Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more.