Compensation Manager

PEAK6; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 122,400 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401k match

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Paid Calm app subscription

Job summary

PEAK6 is seeking a Compensation Manager to spearhead the design and administration of comprehensive compensation programs aimed at attracting and retaining top talent. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in compensation analysis and management, supporting strategic objectives while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Key responsibilities include developing base pay structures, administering incentive plans, and conducting market evaluations. With perks such as a robust benefits package and a hybrid work model, this position is crucial for PEAK6's commitment to equitable compensation.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in compensation or HR function.
• Experience designing and managing compensation programs.
• Proficient in analyzing compensation data.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage compensation structures and incentive plans.
• Conduct market analysis and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with HR to support total rewards strategy.

Skills

Compensation design

Market analysis

HRIS proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Data modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Workday

Job description

Who We Are

We are PEAK6, a leading investment firm, using technology to find a better way of doing things. The company’s first tech‑based solution was developed in 1997 to optimize options trading, and over the past two decades, the same formula has been used across a range of industries, asset classes, and business stages to consistently deliver superior results. Today, PEAK6 seeks transformational opportunities to provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and forward‑thinking businesses. PEAK6’s core brands include PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, FOCUS, We Insure, Evil Geniuses, Poker Power, Zogo, and Bruce Markets.

About This Role

The Compensation Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and administering the organization’s compensation programs to attract, retain, and motivate a high‑performing workforce. This role ensures that all compensation structures, including base pay, incentive programs, and equity plans, are internally equitable, externally competitive, and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. The Compensation Manager partners closely with HR Business Partners, Finance, and senior leadership to provide data‑driven insights and recommendations that support total rewards strategy and workforce planning. Through rigorous market analysis, job evaluation, and compliance oversight, this position plays a critical role in maintaining a fair and legally compliant compensation framework across the organization.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Design, implement, and manage base pay structures, salary bands, and merit increase programs aligned with organizational strategy and market competitiveness.
• Administer short‑term and long‑term incentive plans, including annual bonus programs, sales compensation plans, and equity‑based awards.
• Conduct regular reviews of compensation programs to ensure internal equity, external competitiveness, and alignment with business goals.
• Partner with HR leadership to develop and refine total rewards philosophy, ensuring programs support talent acquisition and retention objectives.
• Manage the annual compensation planning cycle, including merit, bonus, and equity processes, in collaboration with HR Business Partners and Finance.
• Lead participation in third‑party compensation surveys and analyse results to benchmark roles against relevant industry and geographic markets.
• Conduct job evaluations and maintain job architecture, including job leveling, titling standards, and FLSA classifications across the organization.
• Develop and present competitive market analyses and pay recommendations to support new hire offers, promotions, and internal equity adjustments.
• Monitor external market trends, legislative changes, and emerging best practices to proactively identify gaps and recommend program enhancements.
• Maintain and update the organization’s job catalog, ensuring accurate and consistent job documentation across all functions and levels.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and trusted advisor to HR Business Partners, recruiters, and business leaders on compensation‑related matters.
• Develop and deliver training and educational materials to help managers and HR partners understand and apply compensation guidelines and philosophy.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and organizational restructuring initiatives by conducting compensation due diligence and integration planning.
• Collaborate with Finance on compensation forecasting, budgeting, and cost modeling to support workforce and business planning activities.
• Ensure all compensation programs and practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including FLSA, Equal Pay Act, and pay transparency laws.
• Prepare and analyse compensation data and metrics, delivering actionable insights and dashboards to HR leadership and business stakeholders.
• Support pay equity analyses and audits, identifying disparities and recommending corrective actions to promote fair and equitable pay practices.
• Maintain accurate compensation data within the HRIS, ensuring data integrity and supporting system configuration related to compensation modules.
• Prepare required regulatory filings and disclosures related to compensation as needed.

Your Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation through WorldatWork strongly preferred; PHR, SPHR, or SHRM‑CP/SCP certification a plus.
• High School Diploma Required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in compensation, total rewards, or a related HR function required.
• Demonstrated experience designing and administering broad‑based compensation programs, including base pay structures and incentive plans, in a mid‑to‑large organization.
• Prior experience conducting market pricing, job evaluation, and compensation analysis using third‑party survey sources such as Mercer, Willis Towers Watson, or Radford required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data modeling, compensation analysis, and the use of HRIS platforms such as Workday.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state compensation‑related regulations including FLSA, Equal Pay Act, and emerging pay transparency legislation.
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, concise recommendations for a variety of audiences including senior leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, influence without authority, and manage multiple stakeholders effectively.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential compensation information, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Our Rewards

We offer a robust package of employee perks and benefits, including healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision, EAP), competitive PTO, 401k match, parental leave, and HSA contribution match. We also provide our employees with a paid subscription to the Calm app and offer generous external learning and tuition reimbursement benefits. As a hybrid workforce, we offer our employees the ability to work remotely up to two days a week.

Base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and office location. This position also may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to a range of health & wellness benefits, enhancing your overall compensation package.

Base Salary Range

$122,400-$153,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

PEAK6 is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Our hiring practices ensure that all qualified applicants receive fair consideration without regard to these characteristics.

PEAK6 is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all candidates, including those with disabilities. We are dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please contact our HR department at [e-mail]. We will work with you to provide the necessary accommodations to ensure your full participation in our hiring process.