Sr. Manager, Compensation

The Guitar Center Company; Westlake Village (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Guitar Center Company is seeking a Senior Manager, Compensation to lead the design and management of compensation programs. This role engages with HR, Finance, and business leaders to ensure competitive compensation practices and manage a team of compensation professionals.

The successful candidate will have over 8 years of experience in compensation, a Bachelor's degree, and strong analytical and project management skills. This position offers a salary range of $160,000 to $190,000 annually, plus participation in an annual bonus program.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in compensation including leadership experience.
• Strong functional knowledge of compensation strategy and market pricing.
• Experience managing annual compensation planning and market benchmarking.

Responsibilities

• Lead compensation programs including base pay and incentive plans.
• Manage annual compensation planning and market benchmarking processes.
• Develop recognition and rewards programs for employee engagement.

Skills

Compensation strategy

Market pricing

Job evaluation

Salary administration practices

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Advanced degree or certifications (CCP, CEBS, SPHR)

Job description

The Senior Manager, Compensation is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and management of compensation programs that support the company’s business objectives, talent strategy, and total rewards philosophy. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, Systems/Technology, Legal and business leaders to ensure compensation programs are competitive, equitable, and scalable.

As a hands‑on leader, the role oversees compensation planning, market benchmarking, job architecture, recognition programs, governance, and compensation analytics while managing a small team of compensation professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and administration of compensation programs including base pay, incentive plans, bonuses, and recognition programs.
• Lead and manage annual compensation planning, market benchmarking, job architecture, compensation structure, pay policies and processes to support organizational growth and deliver competitive, consistent, and scalable pay practices.
• Partner with HR and business leaders to align compensation strategies with business goals and workforce priorities.
• Oversee compensation vendors, systems, budgets, and related processes to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Lead, coach, and develop a small compensation team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and analytical decision‑making.
• Support broader talent and total rewards initiatives through cross‑functional partnership.

Recognition & Rewards Programs

• Design and manage recognition and rewards programs that support engagement and performance.
• Develop monetary and non‑monetary recognition strategies aligned with company culture and business objectives.

Communication & Education

• Develop and deliver communication materials and training resources to improve understanding of compensation and total rewards programs.
• Simplify and improve access to compensation‑related tools, resources, and processes.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local compensation regulations, including FLSA and wage and hour requirements.
• Monitor legislative and market trends impacting compensation practices.
• Establish and maintain compensation policies, governance standards, and documentation.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze compensation data and trends to assess program effectiveness and support business decisions.
• Prepare reports and presentations for HR and senior leadership.
• Partner with HR and Technology teams to improve compensation data quality, reporting, and visibility.

Minimum Requirements & Special Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SPHR) preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in compensation including leadership experience.
• Strong functional knowledge of compensation strategy, market pricing, job evaluation, salary administration practices, HRIS and compensation systems.
• Experience managing annual compensation planning and market benchmarking processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Strong project management, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Working knowledge of compensation‑related laws and regulations including FLSA and wage/hour compliance.

Pay Rate: $160,000- $190,000 annually depending on background and experience. This position is eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‑related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to [e-mail].