Director of Compensation & Equity Strategy

EngineersOfAI; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Instacart is hiring a Director of Compensation to own our broad-based comp strategy end-to-end. This senior role partners with HR, Finance and Legal to attract, retain, and motivate talent as we expand into new markets. You will lead equity compensation and drive scalable programs across regions.

You will manage a high-performing team, mentor partners, and set high standards for pay fairness and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive compensation experience with at least 3 years in people management.
• Directly advised VP/SVP-level leaders on complex compensation decisions.
• Deep equity compensation design and strategy in a tech company.
• Experience building compensation programs at scale: job architecture, market pricing, cycles.
• Strong data storytelling and proficiency in spreadsheets (Excel/GS).

Responsibilities

• Own annual and mid-year compensation design and delivery end-to-end.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and senior leaders to recommend actions.
• Lead international expansion compensation work with market data guidance.
• Develop frameworks for competitive pay and ensure governance across regions.
• Lead a high-performing team of compensation professionals.

Skills

Compensation leadership

Equity compensation design

R&D/Engineering compensation

Data analysis and storytelling

Executive advisory

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Instacart is hiring a Director of Compensation to own our broad-based comp strategy end-to-end. This senior role partners with HR, Finance and Legal to attract, retain, and motivate talent as we expand into new markets. You will lead equity compensation and drive scalable programs across regions.

You will manage a high-performing team, mentor partners, and set high standards for pay fairness and alignment with business goals.