HR Compensation and M&A Strategy Manager

val's services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

val's services in Chicago is seeking a Manager in the Advisory practice to lead executive compensation consulting engagements, including design, governance, and implementation for public and private companies.

The role will oversee IPO compensation planning and M&A-related compensation matters, while managing budgets, staffing, client communications, and mentoring staff to support growth and client success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• At least five years of consulting experience in designing and implementing compensation and benefit plans.
• Progress toward or attainment of certifications such as FSA, EA, CEBS, CCP, or CEP.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, organization, and team coordination.
• Excellent communication, quantitative, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel as needed and authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end compensation consulting services for performance transformations and transactions.
• Advise on compensation matters in M&A activities and IPO planning.
• Lead projects, manage client relationships, and develop staff.
• Drive business development efforts to expand service offerings.

Skills

Consulting experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Role Overview

The Manager in the Advisory practice provides comprehensive executive-based compensation consulting services, including assessment, design, governance, technology, and implementation for both publicly-traded and private companies.

They advise on compensation aspects of domestic and global HR M&A transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and carve-outs, working with Fortune 1000 and middle-market firms and private equity investors.

The role involves leading IPO compensation planning, including executive and equity plan design, redesigning cash incentive plans, and managing program communications.

They oversee the entire engagement process—scoping, budgeting, staffing, delivering client-ready outputs, and communicating results.

Mentoring and developing staff, managing project teams, and driving business development initiatives are key responsibilities.

Qualifications & Skills

• At least five years of consulting experience in designing and implementing compensation and benefit plans within top accounting or benefits consulting firms, with exposure to HR M&A due diligence and integration.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Progress toward or attainment of certifications such as FSA, EA, CEBS, CCP, or CEP.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, organization, and team coordination.
• Motivated self-starter with excellent communication, quantitative, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel as needed and authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Key Duties

• Deliver end-to-end compensation consulting services for performance transformations and transactions.
• Advise on compensation matters in M&A activities and IPO planning.
• Lead projects, manage client relationships, and develop staff.
• Drive business development efforts to expand service offerings.