Senior Lead, Sales Compensation – Data Management

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard seeks a senior contributor to shape and oversee the design, governance, and effectiveness of sales compensation data systems. You will apply advanced judgment to administration frameworks, data architecture, and control structures to ensure scalable, accurate, and resilient programs.

You will partner with Sales, Finance, HR, Technology, and Governance to align strategy and execution, while providing leadership and guidance on data practices.

Qualifications

• Six or more years of related work experience in sales compensation, data management, or compensation operations.
• Ability to design scalable processes and apply independent judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Experience influencing cross-functional partners including Technology, Finance, HR and Governance.
• CCP certification (Certified Compensation Professional) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads design and continuous improvement of sales compensation data frameworks, processes, workflows, and operating models.
• Oversees data management strategy supporting sales compensation programs, including data sourcing, transformation logic, reconciliation standards, and governance controls.
• Evaluates effectiveness of administration processes and data systems; recommends structural improvements.
• Establishes and maintains control frameworks for compensation administration, including audit readiness and data validation.
• Partners with Technology and data teams to shape system architecture and tooling enhancements.
• Provides oversight of payout integrity by defining validation standards and guiding issue resolution.
• Translates compensation design intent into operational requirements and data structures for cross-functional partners.
• Leads problem solving for data discrepancies, system limitations, and process breakdowns.

Skills

Sales compensation

Data governance

Data architecture

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Serves as a senior individual contributor responsible for shaping and overseeing the design, governance, and effectiveness of sales compensation data systems. Applies advanced judgment to administration frameworks, data architecture, and control structures to ensure compensation programs are scalable, accurate, and operationally resilient. Operates with significant autonomy and exercises cross functional influence with Sales, Finance, HR, Technology, and Governance partners to align administration strategy, data integrity, and execution outcomes.

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.