Compensation Program Manager

Van Andel Institute; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Andel Institute, a premier biomedical research organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeks a Compensation Program Manager to shape the overall compensation strategy and ensure pay equity across functions. You will partner with leaders to design equitable, competitive programs and leverage data to inform decision-making.

Your role goes beyond administration, influencing merit cycles, budgeting, executive compensation, and workforce planning while aligning with organizational goals and

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive compensation experience.
• Expertise in compensation strategy, market pricing, merit planning, and pay equity.
• Experience with incentive compensation; executive compensation experience is a plus.
• Strong consulting, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Advanced analytical skills, including Excel and HRIS systems (Workday preferred).
• The ability to turn complex data into thoughtful, purpose-driven decisions.
• Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Finance or related field (or equivalent).
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead compensation strategy, salary structures, and job architecture.
• Drive annual merit planning, compensation budgeting, and incentive programs.
• Provide trusted guidance on pay decisions, career progression, and market competitiveness.
• Use data and market insights to ensure equitable, competitive pay practices.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and leadership to shape the employee experience.
• Support executive compensation, workforce planning, and strategic growth.

Skills

Compensation strategy

Market pricing

Merit planning

Pay equity

Incentive compensation

Executive compensation

Consulting skills

Excel

Workday HRIS

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Why Join Van Andel Institute?

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Shape a Compensation Strategy That Supports Discovery, Innovation, and People. At Van Andel Institute, we believe exceptional people deserve exceptional support. Our Total Rewards team helps create a workplace where employees feel valued, recognized, and empowered to do their best work in service of our mission. We\'re seeking an experienced Compensation Program Manager to serve as our compensation expert and trusted advisor. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, you\'ll lead compensation strategy and partner with leaders across the Institute to design programs that are equitable, competitive, and aligned with organizational goals. If you\'re energized by using data to solve meaningful challenges, influence strategic decisions, and create exceptional employee experiences, we\'d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do?

As the Compensation Program Manager, you\'ll lead the organization\'s compensation strategy while serving as a trusted consultant to leaders across the Institute. You\'ll use market intelligence, analytics, and sound judgment to develop programs that attract, retain, and reward exceptional talent. This is more than compensation administration. You\'ll influence organizational decisions by:

• Leading compensation strategy, salary structures, and job architecture.
• Driving annual merit planning, compensation budgeting, and incentive programs.
• Providing trusted guidance on pay decisions, career progression, and market competitiveness.
• Using data and market insights to ensure equitable, competitive, and compliant pay practices.
• Partnering with HR, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and leadership to shape the employee experience.
• Supporting executive compensation, workforce planning, and strategic organizational growth.

What You’ll Bring

You\'re a collaborative, analytical leader with:

• 7–10 years of progressive compensation experience.
• Expertise in compensation strategy, market pricing, merit planning, and pay equity.
• Experience with incentive compensation; executive compensation experience is a plus.
• Strong consulting, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Advanced analytical skills, including Excel and HRIS systems (Workday preferred).
• The ability to turn complex data into thoughtful, purpose-driven decisions.
• Bachelor\'s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification preferred.

You’ll Thrive Here

If You: Enjoy building relationships and becoming a trusted advisor. Lead with curiosity and continuously seek better ways of working. Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Make thoughtful, data-informed decisions. Value collaboration over competition. Care deeply about creating fair, equitable, and meaningful employee experiences. Find purpose in supporting an organization dedicated to improving human health through research and education.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One!

The salary you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills

Your Next Steps

Note: The application steps and recruiter contact blocks have been removed for clarity. Please refer to the employer\'s official careers site for the full, up-to-date instructions.

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson\'s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision EEO is the Law Poster

Accessibility

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations Van Andel Institute is committed to making our website\'s content accessible and user friendly to everyone. If you are interested in applying for employment with Van Andel Institute and need special assistance or an accommodation to complete our application process, are having difficulty viewing or navigating the content on this website, or notice any content, feature, or functionality that you believe is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, please call the Human Resources Department at 616-234-5100 or email at [e-mail].

Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly. Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.

Your Life’s Work. Here. Now. Van Andel Institute is home to hundreds of dedicated scientists, educators and support staff who are focused on one, unifying mission: to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations. With employees from nearly 30 countries, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from various cultural, educational and employment backgrounds. VAI fosters a diverse and collaborative environment. Ample natural light and open spaces foster dialogue and innovation.

We have you Covered. At Van Andel Institute, our employees are most valuable when not worrying about health and financial support throughout all facets of their life. Because of that, benefits are an important part of everyone\'s well-being, as well as supporting diverse and changing lives outside of work.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations Van Andel Institute is committed to making our website\'s content accessible and user friendly to everyone. If you are interested in applying for employment with Van Andel Institute and need special assistance or an accommodation to complete our application process, are having difficulty viewing or navigating the content on this website, or notice any content, feature, or functionality that you believe is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, please call the Human Resources Department at 616-234-5100 or email at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans.