Head of Compensation

Job Description The Head of Compensation for North America is responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive compensation strategy that supports the unique operational, technical, and commercial demands of the Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) industry. This role ensures competitive, compliant, and scalable compensation programs that attract and retain specialized talent across laboratories, field operations, technical services, and corporate functions. The individual is part of the HR North America Leadership Team and will work closely with the Global Total Rewards team, North America Business Line Leaders and Finance team, implementing compensation solutions that drive productivity, safety, and service excellence across a geographically diverse workforce. Develop and execute a regional compensation strategy tailored to the complexities of the TIC industry—including field-based technicians, auditors, inspectors, laboratory professionals, and commercial teams. Provide strategic compensation insights to support workforce planning, high-volume hiring, retention of critical technical talent, and competitiveness in price-sensitive markets. Align all regional compensation programs with global frameworks while addressing country-specific market practices and regulatory requirements for North America. Oversee design and governance of salary structures, variable pay programs, job architecture, and incentive plans that support both operational efficiency and commercial performance. Lead annual compensation planning processes (merit, bonus, market adjustments), ensuring timely execution across numerous countries and business units. Conduct market benchmarking and compensation analytics for technical and niche roles common in the TIC sector (inspectors, lab technicians, auditors, engineers). Design and maintain fair, competitive and compliant compensation practices for field roles involving shift work, travel, hazard exposure, and specialized certifications. Implement recognition programs that reinforce safety culture, service quality, and operational excellence. Support regional implementation of global executive compensation programs, ensuring compliance with local taxation and reporting rules. Oversee mobility packages for cross-border assignments, reflecting regional staffing needs and compliance with immigration, tax and labor requirements. Ensure compensation programs comply with labor laws, pay equity regulations, tax rules, and collective bargaining agreements (where applicable), and health and safety standards across. Maintain high standards of data integrity and reporting accuracy across HRIS and compensation systems. Manage compensation budgets and provide financial modeling for compensation investments. Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing regional Compensation team supporting North America. Partner with HRBPs, Finance, Legal and business line leaders to ensure compensation strategies support revenue growth, operational efficiency and employee engagement. Represent the North America compensation perspectives in global initiatives, providing regional insight and advocating for operational and local-market needs. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance or related field. 12+ years of progressive compensation experience, ideally within the TIC, industrial services, engineering or technical services sectors. Experience supporting multi‑country environments in North America. Strong understanding of compensation practices for technical and field‑based roles, including premium pay, certifications, safety incentives and workforce scheduling considerations. Proven ability to lead complex compensation cycles and harmonization projects across multiple jurisdictions. Strong analytical, financial modeling and problem‑solving skills. Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication capabilities. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree or professional certifications (CCP, GRP). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast paced, highly professional environment. Strategic mindset with strong business and industry acumen. Cross‑cultural leadership and collaboration. Integrity, discretion and sound judgment. Operational understanding of field and laboratory environments. Change and transformation leadership. Travel Occasional travel required (5% - 33%). Compensation The expected salary range for this position is $130,000 – $160,000 annually. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience and qualifications. Benefits Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs. Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment). Happiness: Professional growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program. Work‑life balance: Paid‑time off and family leave. Equal Opportunity Employer SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. Application Status Position anticipated to close September 1, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr SGS