Senior Lead, Sales Compensation – Data Management

Compensation Jobs; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a senior specialist to lead the design and continuous improvement of sales compensation data frameworks and operating models. The role oversees data management strategy, governance, reconciliation, and system enhancements to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.

You will partner with Technology, Finance, HR, and Governance to translate compensation design into executable data structures and controls, ensuring audit readiness and defensible results.

Qualifications

• Six (6) or more years of related work experience in sales compensation administration, data management, or compensation operations.
• Ability to design scalable processes and data standards in complex environments.
• Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders (Technology, Finance, HR, Governance).
• Strong understanding of data structures, reconciliation approaches, and system-driven compensation processes.
• Undergraduate degree required; graduate degree preferred. CCP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Leads design and continuous improvement of sales compensation data frameworks and operating models.
• Defines and oversees data management strategy for sales compensation programs, including sourcing and governance.
• Assesses administration processes and data systems to identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Establishes control frameworks for compensation administration, including audit readiness and data validation.
• Partners with Technology and data teams to shape system architecture and automation strategies.
• Oversees payout integrity by defining validation standards and guiding issue resolution.
• Acts as senior advisor translating compensation design intent into operational data requirements.
• Guides cross-functional partners on implications of administration design, data integrity risks, and tradeoffs.
• Provides informal leadership and sets execution standards for data practices.

Skills

Sales comp

Data management

Stakeholder influence

Data structures

CCP preferred

Education

Undergraduate degree

Graduate degree preferred

CCP certification preferred

Job description

Responsibilities

• Leads the design and continuous improvement of sales compensation data frameworks, including processes, workflows, and operating models to ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment with compensation design intent.
• Defines and oversees data management strategy supporting sales compensation programs, including data sourcing, transformation logic, reconciliation standards, and governance controls.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of administration processes and data systems, identifying gaps in scalability, accuracy, and efficiency; recommends structural improvements to enhance long‑term sustainability.
• Establishes and maintains control frameworks for compensation administration, including audit readiness, data validation methodologies, and maker‑checker processes to ensure accuracy and defensibility.
• Partners with Technology and data teams to shape system architecture, automation strategies, and tooling enhancements that reduce manual processes and improve operational effectiveness.
• Provides oversight of payout integrity by defining validation standards, monitoring results, and guiding resolution of complex issues.
• Serves as a senior advisor to cross‑functional partners by translating compensation design intent into operational requirements and data structures.
• Leads complex problem solving related to data discrepancies, system limitations, and process breakdowns, ensuring root causes are addressed at a structural level.
• Guides and influences Sales, Finance, HR, and Governance partners on implications of administration design choices, data integrity risks, and operational tradeoffs.
• Provides informal leadership and technical guidance to less experienced crew on administration processes, data practices, and system usage, establishing standards for execution and quality.
• Contributes to enterprise reporting frameworks, dashboards, and ongoing monitoring of compensation plan health, focusing on trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Participates in cross‑functional initiatives related to sales compensation transformation, system evolution, and data strategy.

Qualifications

• Six (6) or more years of related work experience, with significant focus on sales compensation administration, data management, incentive systems, or compensation operations.
• Demonstrated ability to design scalable processes, define data standards, and apply independent judgment in complex, ambiguous situations.
• Experience influencing cross‑functional stakeholders, including Technology, Finance, HR, and Governance partners.
• Strong understanding of data structures, reconciliation approaches, and system‑driven compensation processes.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Graduate degree preferred.
• Progress toward or attainment of Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) preferred.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.