Sales Compensation Manager - United States

Cornerstone OnDemand; Newark (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone OnDemand is seeking a Sales Compensation Manager to lead end-to-end compensation for assigned sales teams. You will mentor a Sales Compensation Analyst, own monthly/quarterly commission cycles, and partner with Finance for close processes.

The role blends hands-on execution with strategic partnerships across Sales, Finance and Operations. Ideal candidates have extensive SaaS sales comp experience, people management, and hands-on ICM tool expertise (SPIFF, Xactly, CaptivateIQ) with

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor, and develop a Sales Compensation Analyst.
• Own the quality and accuracy of commission processing for assigned units.
• Execute monthly and quarterly commission calculations accurately and on schedule.
• Produce commission statements and support monthly close and commission accrual processes.
• Identify process improvements that enhance accuracy, scalability, and efficiency of sales compensation operations.
• Assist with SPIFF/I CM platform administration, including plan configuration and hierarchy management.
• Serve as the first point of contact for commission inquiries and resolve issues.
• Deliver high-quality, well-documented output and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Gather feedback from payees and validate solutions address underlying issues.

Skills

Sales compensation administration

People management

Salesforce reporting

Excel/Google Sheets

Analytical problem solving

ICM tool administration

Tools

SPIFF

Xactly

CaptivateIQ

Salesforce CRM

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]