Executive Compensation Consultant (Chicago)

Build Your Consulting Career Where Strategy, Leadership, and Compensation Come Together

Pearl Meyer is a leading advisor to Boards of Directors and senior management on the alignment of executive compensation with business and leadership strategy. Our clients range from high-growth and not-for-profit organizations to some of the world’s largest and most complex companies.

We are looking for an Associate Compensation Consultant who is intellectually curious, analytically strong, and energized by solving complex business challenges. This is an opportunity to work alongside experienced consultants, gain exposure to senior executives and Boards, and contribute to high-impact client engagements across industries.

With offices in Houston, Boston, Chicago, New York, and a regional staffing model, Pearl Meyer provides opportunities to work with colleagues and clients across markets, industries, and geographies.

As an Associate Compensation Consultant, you will be an integral member of client teams advising organizations on executive compensation and related business and leadership issues.

Working closely with Project Managers and Client Relationship Managers, you will contribute to engagements from research and analysis through the development of insights, recommendations, and client-ready deliverables.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Solve complex business problems. Conduct research and analyze corporate financial performance, executive compensation, and market data to uncover insights that inform client decisions.
• Turn data into meaningful insights. Evaluate and synthesize complex datasets, identify trends, and translate analytical findings into clear business implications.
• Develop compelling client deliverables. Create thoughtful visualizations, presentations, and reports that communicate sophisticated analyses clearly and effectively.
• Contribute to strategic recommendations. Help develop customized analyses and materials that inform executive compensation decisions made by senior management teams and Boards of Directors.
• Build broad consulting experience. Gain exposure to organizations across industries, company sizes, and stages of growth while collaborating with colleagues across Pearl Meyer offices.
• Learn from experienced advisors. Work closely with senior consultants and develop the analytical, communication, business, and client-management skills needed to grow as a consultant.

We are looking for someone who combines strong analytical capabilities with curiosity, sound judgment, and an interest in consulting and business strategy.

Successful candidates will typically bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to synthesize complex information and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with compensation data, financial analysis, market research, or consulting is preferred.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort working with data and analytical tools.

At Pearl Meyer, you won’t be just another member of a large consulting team. Our collaborative culture gives professionals the opportunity to contribute, develop relationships with senior colleagues, and make an impact early in their careers.

You’ll gain exposure to challenging client issues, work across industries and offices, and develop a deeper understanding of how executive compensation connects to business performance, leadership strategy, and long-term shareholder value.

We believe great consulting comes from bringing together different perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and working collaboratively to solve our clients’ most important challenges.

If you are looking for an opportunity to combine analytics, business strategy, and client advisory work while building a long-term consulting career, we’d like to hear from you.

The base salary range for this position is $85,000–$150,000 USD per year . This role is also eligible for an annual short-term incentive bonus.

Base salary may vary based on factors including location, qualifications, education and professional certifications, relevant experience, and performance, consistent with applicable state and local pay transparency requirements.

Pearl Meyer offers a competitive benefits package, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, including:

Health & Welfare: Medical and prescription coverage, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, commuter benefits, life and AD&D insurance, group accident and critical illness coverage, legal and identity theft protection, wellbeing programs, and work/life resources, including an Employee Assistance Program.

Time Away & Leave: Paid holidays, annual paid time off, applicable state and local paid leave, short- and long-term disability, bereavement leave, parental and adoption leave, and other applicable leaves.

Retirement: 401(k) savings plan.

Pearl Meyer is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where talented people can build meaningful careers while helping clients address complex business and leadership challenges.