Director, Total Rewards

Ladders; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 251,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare plans

401(k) retirement plan

Wellness offerings

Job summary

Ladders in Brisbane, CA is seeking a Director, Total Rewards to lead compensation and benefits strategy for a growing life sciences organization. You will partner with HR leadership to shape pay cycles, strengthen pay equity, and advise leadership on compensation initiatives.

The role requires 8-10+ years in compensation and benefits, with 3-5 years in a leadership role, and strong analytical and discreet handling of sensitive data. This is an on-site position in Brisbane, CA.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years in compensation and benefits with 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Biotech/pharma or life sciences experience preferred.
• Knowledge of equity compensation structures in biotech.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of compensation programs.
• Collaborate with HR leadership on merit increases and equity grants.
• Conduct market benchmarking for competitiveness and equity.
• Monitor and analyze pay equity and implement remedies.
• Ensure compliance with compensation regulations and practices.
• Create and manage a competitive benefits portfolio.
• Advise leadership and HR partners on compensation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Discretion

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or certification (CCP, CBP, CEBS) preferred

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Director, Total Rewards to join the team of a leader in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotek space.

This role will lead core compensation and benefits strategy for a growing life sciences organization, with a strong focus on designing programs that support both competitiveness and fiscal responsibility. You will partner closely with HR leadership to shape annual pay cycles, strengthen pay equity practices, and provide trusted guidance across the business. The position requires a mix of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and discretion in handling sensitive compensation information.

Location: Brisbane, CA - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Compensation: $250,800 – $278,800 annually

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of compensation programs, including base pay, incentives, and equity initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to manage annual compensation processes such as merit increases and equity grants.
• Conduct market benchmarking to ensure competitive and equitable pay across the organization.
• Monitor and analyze pay equity, implementing proactive remedies as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with evolving compensation regulations and company practices.
• Create and manage a competitive benefits portfolio aimed at cost-effectiveness.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and advisor on compensation and benefits for leadership and HR partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; advanced degree or certification (CCP, CBP, CEBS) preferred.
• 8-10+ years in compensation and benefits, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Preferred experience in biotech, pharma, or life sciences, particularly in clinical‑stage or newly commercial settings.
• In-depth knowledge of equity compensation structures relevant to biotech.
• Strong analytical skills to simplify complex data into actionable insights.
• Discretion in handling sensitive compensation data is essential.
• Proven ability to develop programs in a growth‑focused, fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and welfare plans, retirement programs (401(k)), and wellness offerings.
• Opportunities for professional development and certification support.
• Strong emphasis on compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Offerings designed to be competitive and fiscally responsible.
• Dynamic company environment fostering collaboration and solution‑oriented focus.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.