Principal Compensation Consultant

Mercer; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 259,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Mercer is seeking a Principal Compensation Consultant to lead large-scale projects, coach team members, and partner with senior HR leaders to develop compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate talent. This is a strong hybrid role requiring three days per week in the office or with clients.

The position emphasizes compensation strategy, job architecture, and advisory services, with opportunities to drive business development and leverage AI-enabled tools in client engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in compensation consulting.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects and complex client engagements.
• Deep knowledge of compensation strategy, technology, incentive design, market analysis, and compliance.
• Strong client relationship management with senior executives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Intellectual curiosity and proactive coaching.

Responsibilities

• Structure, direct, review, and interpret analyses performed by project teams.
• Develop compensation strategies, philosophies, and programs addressing attraction and retention.
• Consult senior management on pay strategy, job architecture, and digital activation of designs.
• Thrive in an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools.
• Manage day-to-day client interactions and maintain strong relationships.
• Provide guidance and oversight to junior team members and ensure quality deliverables.
• Generate revenue by developing new client relationships and cross-selling opportunities.

Skills

Compensation strategy

Job architecture design

Pay strategy

AI-enabled tools familiarity

Client relationship management

Communication

Presentation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description For Posting

We are seeking a talented individual to join our

Job Description For Posting

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Career Consulting team at Mercer. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office or with clients.

Mercer is uniquely qualified to help organizations design and execute sophisticated workforce strategies, whether it’s for a multinational organization or a local company attempting to grow within its market. We provide best-in-class consulting, rigorous analytics, and data-driven insights that help organizations make fact-based decisions.

As a Principal Compensation Consultant, you will lead delivery of large-scale projects, coach team members, and solve complex compensation challenges. In addition, you will support the business development process. This is a great opportunity to partner with senior management and HR leaders to develop and deliver compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate talent.

What you will do:

• Structure, direct, review, and interpret analyses performed by project teams
• Develop compensation strategies, philosophies, and programs that address clients’ attraction and retention needs
• Provide consulting services to senior management on compensation issues including pay strategy (structure and competitiveness), job architecture design, and digital activation of these designs
• Thrive and be motivated by an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools
• Manage day-to-day client interactions, building and maintaining strong relationships
• Provide guidance and oversight to junior team members, supporting their development and ensuring quality deliverables
• Generate revenue by developing new client relationships, extending existing engagements, and identifying cross-selling opportunities

What you need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field
• Extensive (8+) years of experience in compensation consulting with demonstrated subject matter expertise
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects and complex client engagements
• Deep knowledge of compensation strategy, compensation-related technology, incentive plan design, market analysis methodologies, and regulatory compliance
• Strong client relationship management skills with experience advising senior executives
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to problem-solving and coaching

What makes you stand out:

• Experience leading engagements for global organizations with complex compensation challenges
• Demonstrated success in leading or supporting business development activities
• Advanced analytical skills and familiarity with compensation management tools, survey management tools, and AI-enabled compensation agents
• Demonstrated leadership in developing innovative solutions and thought leadership content

Why join Mercer:

• Professional development opportunities and supportive leadership to help you grow
• A vibrant, inclusive culture where you can collaborate with talented colleagues
• A broad range of career opportunities and comprehensive benefits to support your well-being
• A flexible hybrid work model balancing remote work with in-office collaboration

Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

The applicable base salary range for this role is $129,600 to $259,200.

The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives.

We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.

Applications will be accepted until: October 2, 2026