Compensation Senior Advisor - Houston, TX

Primary Purpose
Leads the strategic design, execution, and governance of comprehensive compensation programs that support complex and crossfunctional business units. Ensures the organization maintains competitive market positioning, internal pay equity, regulatory compliance, and strong alignment with business strategy.
Oversees all aspects of compensation, including base pay, short and longterm incentive programs, equity compensation, job architecture, market pricing, salary structures, and annual compensation cycles. By interpreting market trends, this position leverages external benchmarking data, and applies sound compensation principles, this position designs variable pay and reward programs that attract, retain, and motivate talent at all levels.
Serving as a trusted advisor, the position partners closely with senior HR, Finance, and Legal stakeholders to provide guidance on compensation strategy, promotions, and organizational change initiatives. Supports executive and international compensation programs, incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into reward designs, and leads continuous improvements to ensure compensation practices remain effective, equitable, and aligned with evolving business objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Design and manage compensation programs (base, short-term incentive, and long-term/equity-based incentives) that support business strategies and regulatory requirements.
* Lead annual compensation processes including salary structure development, market benchmarking, merit increases, incentive payouts, and equity award planning.
* Provide strategic consultation to HR Business Partners and executives on organizational design, and total compensation strategy.
* Conduct and oversee market pricing and internal equity reviews; ensure compliance with pay transparency and pay equity regulations.
* Participate in and analyze results from compensation surveys to ensure competitive and equitable pay structures across all organizational levels.
* Monitor and interpret relevant regulatory developments (e.g., FLSA, SEC, IRS 409A) and recommend updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
* Maintain and administer the Company's equity compensation programs in coordination with Legal, Payroll, and third-party plan administrators.
* Serve as subject matter expert for compensation functionality in HR systems and tools; partner with HRIS and vendors to optimize system capabilities and reporting.
* Drive compensation analytics using data insights to inform pay decisions and ensure market alignment and competitiveness.
* Develop and manage Total Rewards budgets; update forecasts and ensure accurate accruals for compensation and benefit spend.
* Lead communication and change management efforts to strengthen employee understanding of total rewards programs.
* Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, SEC requirements, FLSA, pay transparency, and other statutory requirements.
* Serve as a strategic advisor to HR and business leaders on Total Rewards best practices, trends, and innovation opportunities.
* Performs other duties as assigned.