Strategic Compensation Architect & Governance Leader

Zachry Group; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachry Group is seeking a Manager of Compensation Programs & Design to lead the development and governance of enterprise compensation programs, job architecture, and salary structures. This role partners with leadership across finance, workforce planning, and business units to ensure competitive, compliant programs that support growth.

The role will oversee incentive programs, pay equity, and governance while guiding a team of analysts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, Economics or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years progressive compensation experience.
• 3+ years managing compensation programs, job architecture or broad-based initiatives.
• Experience in engineering/construction/EPC/energy/project settings preferred.
• Strong experience with salary surveys, structure design, and job evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, enhancement, and administration of compensation programs, policies, and guidelines.
• Develop governance processes ensuring equitable compensation decisions.
• Evaluate market trends to recommend program updates.
• Establish policies for promotions, transfers, geographic differentials, and incentives.
• Lead job architecture initiatives, leveling frameworks, and career progression models.
• Maintain job evaluation methodologies and governance standards.
• Ensure consistent application of leveling across functions.
• Support workforce planning with effective role classification.
• Design and maintain salary structures, pay grades, and geodiffentials.
• Conduct market analysis and competitiveness assessments.
• Develop incentive program documentation and governance controls.
• Model program effectiveness and drive improvements.
• Lead pay equity reviews and compliance initiatives.
• Develop dashboards and metrics for decision-making.
• Drive automation and efficiency in compensation processes.

Skills

Job architecture

Leveling

Salary structure design

Compensation governance

Incentive program design

Market pricing

Pay equity analysis

Compensation analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Finance/Economics

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Zachry Group is seeking a Manager of Compensation Programs & Design to lead the development and governance of enterprise compensation programs, job architecture, and salary structures. This role partners with leadership across finance, workforce planning, and business units to ensure competitive, compliant programs that support growth.

The role will oversee incentive programs, pay equity, and governance while guiding a team of analysts.