Sales Compensation Manager - United States

Cornerstone OnDemand; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone OnDemand is seeking a Sales Compensation Manager to lead end-to-end commission processing and serve as a strategic partner to our sales org. You will mentor a Sales Compensation Analyst, ensure accurate monthly and quarterly commissions, and drive continuous improvement across the compensation stack.

You will own the administration of SPIFF/ICM platforms, collaborate with Finance and Sales, and deliver timely, well-documented outputs while handling confidential data with discretion.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in sales compensation administration or related SaaS role.
• 2+ years of people management experience with a track record of developing a high-performing team.
• Experience in full-cycle sales compensation administration — calculations, crediting, draws, clawbacks and dispute resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
• Hands-on experience administering a modern ICM tool (SPIFF preferred; Xactly, CaptivateIQ or similar).
• Familiarity with Salesforce reporting and CRM data.
• Strong Excel / Google Sheets skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor, and develop a Sales Compensation Analyst through regular feedback and development.
• Own quality and accuracy of commission processing for assigned units, with oversight over analyst work.
• Execute monthly and quarterly commission calculations accurately and on schedule.
• Produce commission statements and support monthly close and accrual processes with Finance.
• Identify process improvements to enhance accuracy, scalability, and efficiency, including automation.
• Assist with SPIFF/ICM platform administration: plan configuration, payee assignments, quotas, hierarchy.
• Serve as first point of contact for commission inquiries and resolve issues with strong customer support.
• Independently execute commission cycles with defined scope and clear documentation.
• Deliver high-quality, well-documented output and clear updates to stakeholders.
• Gather payee feedback and validate solutions address underlying issues.

Skills

Sales compensation administration

People management

Full-cycle compensation

Analytical skills

ICM tool

Salesforce

Excel/Google Sheets

Prioritization

Confidential data handling

Cross-geo collaboration

Teamwork

Tools

SPIFF (ICM)

Xactly

CaptivateIQ

Salesforce

Job description

We're looking for a Sales Compensation Manager to join our global sales compensation team. We are looking for a player-coach who will mentor a Sales Compensation Analyst while also serving as a hands‑on operator and strategic partner to our sales organization — owning end‑to‑end compensation administration for assigned teams.

This is a high‑visibility role at the intersection of Sales, Finance and Operations. You will help with the accurate, on‑time execution of our monthly and quarterly commission cycles and administer the compensation tooling that supports them. This role will be a key member of the sales compensation team: when payees are paid correctly and on time, and their questions are answered quickly, the whole GTM organization runs with more trust and less friction.

You will work with high‑level direction from your manager but be relied on to independently execute each commission cycle, escalating the genuinely ambiguous calls.

In this role you will...

• Coach, mentor, and develop a Sales Compensation Analyst through regular feedback, prioritization, and professional development.
• Own the quality and accuracy of commission processing for assigned business units, providing oversight and quality assurance for work completed by the Sales Compensation Analyst.
• Execute monthly and quarterly commission calculations accurately and on schedule.
• Produce commission statements and support monthly close and commission accrual processes in partnership with Finance.
• Identify process improvements that enhance the accuracy, scalability, and efficiency of sales compensation operations, including automation and system enhancements.
• Assist with the administration of the SPIFF incentive compensation management (ICM) platform, including maintaining plan configuration, payee assignments, quotas, and hierarchy management.
• Serve as the first point of contact for commission inquiries – investigating and resolving issues while providing exceptional customer support.
• Independently execute the commission calculation cycle with high-level direction, owning a defined scope and using established approaches to solve well‑defined problems.
• Deliver high-quality, well‑documented output that others can rely on, and communicate clear, concise updates to stakeholders.
• Gather feedback from payees and validate that solutions address any underlying issue.

You Have What It Takes If You Have...

• 6+ years in sales compensation administration or related role at a SaaS company.
• 2+ years of people management experience, with a track record of developing a high‑performing team.
• Experience in full‑cycle sales compensation administration — calculations, crediting, draws, clawbacks and dispute resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
• Hands‑on experience administrating a modern ICM tool (SPIFF preferred; Xactly, CaptivateIQ or similar acceptable).
• Familiarity with Salesforce reporting and CRM data.
• Strong Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets skills and a high bar for accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize competing initiatives, manage multiple deadlines, and lead through ambiguity while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Sound judgement handling confidential compensation data and clear, well‑structured communication.
• Experience partnering with geographically dispersed teams.
• A team player with a positive “can do” attitude

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental commitment at Cornerstone OnDemand. All qualified applicants are given consideration regardless of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class as provided in applicable Federal, State, or Local fair employment laws. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]