Senior Global Compensation Lead

Clearwater Analytics; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

PTO

Parental leave

Medical leave

Job summary

Clearwater Analytics is seeking a Senior Global Compensation Lead to shape our worldwide pay strategy, partnering with HR, Finance, and business leaders to ensure competitive and equitable compensation.

You will own salary structures, market data, and incentive programs while building scalable processes, reporting, and governance across regions. This role offers influence on executive decisions and growth within a high-growth fintech company, based in Chicago, IL.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in compensation analysis, preferably global or high-growth tech/financial services.
• Strong expertise in job architecture, market benchmarking, pay grades, and compensation frameworks.
• Advanced analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and HRIS/compensation tools (Workday a plus).
• Experience working directly with senior leadership to influence compensation decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and maintenance of salary structures, pay bands, and compensation across regions.
• Manage job architecture, leveling, and evaluation processes for global consistency and fairness.
• Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements related to compensation.
• Own market data surveys and tools; conduct regular market analyses to stay competitive.

Skills

5+ years compensation analysis

Excel

HRIS/compensation tools

Workday

Communication

Data analysis

Global compensation

Tools

Workday

Job description

At Clearwater Analytics, compensation isn't just an HR function — it's a strategic lever. We're a high-growth global fintech company, and as we expand our footprint across regions and business lines, we're looking for a sharp, analytical comp professional to help build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps us competitive.

As our Senior Global Compensation Lead, you'll be a key contributor to our global compensation strategy — influencing senior leaders with data, partnering with HR and business leaders, and developing the frameworks that help Clearwater attract and retain top talent worldwide. If you're energized by solving complex pay challenges, working cross-functionally, and growing your scope alongside a scaling company, this is the role for you.

You will partner closely with HR leadership, Finance, and business leaders to ensure compensation practices are competitive, equitable, and aligned with Clearwater's growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Global Compensation Ownership

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of salary structures, pay grades, and compensation bands across regions.
• Manage job architecture, leveling, and job evaluation processes to ensure consistency and fairness globally.
• Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements related to compensation.

Market Data & Benchmarking

• Own vendor relationships for market data surveys and tools.
• Conduct regular market analyses to ensure Clearwater remains competitive in all regions.
• Provide actionable insights on pay trends, equity, and internal parity.

Compensation Programs

• Support design and administration of annual merit, bonus, and incentive programs.
• Partner with Finance and HRBPs to model compensation budgets and forecasting scenarios.
• Deliver clear reporting and analytics to inform executive decision-making.

Process & Tools

• Develop scalable processes for compensation review cycles and job evaluations.
• Ensure HRIS and compensation systems are optimized for accurate data and reporting.
• Establish documentation, guidelines, and training for managers and HR partners.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive experience in compensation analysis, preferably in a global or high-growth technology/financial services company.
• Strong expertise in job architecture, market benchmarking, pay grades, and compensation frameworks.
• Advanced analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and HRIS/compensation tools (Workday experience a plus).
• Experience working directly with senior leadership to influence and guide compensation decisions.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable operating in both strategic and tactical capacities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex data in a clear, concise way.
• Consulting experience is a plus

Salary Range

$130,000-$180,000

This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, other job-related qualifications/skills, and geographic location (to account for comparative cost of living). The Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. For this role, benefits include: health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), PTO, parental leave, and medical leave, STD/LTD insurance benefits. Clearwater Analytics is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class