Senior Compensation Manager

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Senior Manager, Compensation to lead the Compensation Team and shape programs that attract, retain, and reward top talent. You will oversee market pricing, job evaluations, salary structures, analytics, and annual planning, partnering with HR, Finance, and business leaders.

You will guide governance, equity, and process improvements, mentor Analysts, and drive data-driven decisions that impact the employee experience and organizational success across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of compensation principles and market pricing.
• Experience with annual compensation planning and governance.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; able to synthesize large data sets.
• Excellent business partnership and consultative skills.
• Ability to handle confidential compensation information with discretion.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Shape and manage compensation programs, policies, and salary structures.
• Lead annual merit planning, incentives, and market reviews.
• Partner with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Finance, and leaders on offers and pay decisions.
• Drive governance, audits, and reporting for compensation programs.
• Develop analytics, dashboards, and reports to inform decisions.

Skills

Compensation principles

Market pricing

Analytics

Leadership

Excel

HRIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in four-year college

Tools

HRIS systems

Salary tools

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING

As the Senior Manager, Compensation, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping compensation programs that support Smithfield Foods' ability to attract, retain, and reward top talent. Leading the Compensation Team, you'll oversee key areas including market pricing, job evaluations, salary structures, compensation analytics, and annual compensation planning. In this highly visible role, you'll partner closely with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Finance, and business leaders to deliver data-driven insights and compensation solutions that support both talent and business objectives.

Beyond managing core compensation programs, you'll help drive the evolution of the company's compensation strategy by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, ensure market competitiveness, and promote equitable pay practices across the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and analytical leader who enjoys solving complex challenges, influencing decisions, developing talent, and making a meaningful impact on both the employee experience and organizational success.

What You’ll Do

• Compensation Programs & Administration: You’ll play a key role in shaping compensation programs that attract, retain, and reward top talent. You'll oversee compensation policies, salary structures, and job evaluations while supporting annual merit planning, incentive programs, and market reviews. Through thoughtful analysis and internal equity reviews, you'll help ensure pay practices remain fair, competitive, and aligned with business goals.
• Market Analysis & Benchmarking: Serve as a trusted advisor on compensation competitiveness by leading market pricing activities and analyzing compensation trends. You'll leverage salary survey data and labor market insights to provide recommendations that help the organization attract and retain exceptional talent while maintaining a strong market position.
• Compliance & Governance: Help ensure compensation programs are compliant, effective, and aligned with evolving regulations. You'll support audits, reporting requirements, and governance processes while staying informed on emerging compensation trends and recommending enhancements that strengthen program effectiveness.
• Business Partnership: Partner closely with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders to provide expert compensation guidance on offers, promotions, reorganizations, and pay decisions. Your insights will help drive consistent compensation practices and support talent strategies across the organization.
• Analytics & Reporting: Turn data into actionable insights by developing reports, dashboards, and analyses that inform key compensation decisions. You'll identify trends, risks, and opportunities while using analytics to improve processes, enhance program effectiveness, and support strategic workforce decisions.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and develop a team of Compensation Analysts, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. You'll mentor team members, encourage professional growth, and ensure the compensation function delivers exceptional value and service to the organization.

What We’re Seeking

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience with responsibility for coaching, development, and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of compensation principles, market pricing, salary structures, incentive programs, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting annual compensation planning processes and compensation governance.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize large data sets into actionable insights.
• Strong business partnership and consultative skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive compensation information.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, compensation tools, and Microsoft Excel.

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000 annually.

Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.