Senior Compensation Manager

Senior Compensation ManagerWe are seeking a Senior Compensation Manager to lead the firm's compensation function, with primary responsibility for salary administration, governance, and decision support. This role partners closely with firm leadership to shape and maintain a compensation approach that is competitive, equitable, and aligned with business priorities—while remaining closely involved in execution.This is a hands-on role that balances leadership, judgment, and day-to-day ownership of key compensation processes, with a focus on building scalable practices as the function grows.Kimley-Horn is looking for a Compensation Manager to join our Raleigh, North Carolina (NC) office. This is not a remote position.ResponsibilitiesOwn and lead the firm's compensation function, including salary administration frameworks, policies, and governanceServe as the primary compensation partner to senior leadership, providing clear, data-driven recommendations and guidance in partnership with our external consultant.Administer and evolve the salary structure, including job mapping, pay positioning, and range managementLead and actively manage compensation decisions, including offers, promotions, and off-cycle adjustmentsServe as the escalation point for complex or high-impact pay decisions, providing clear, defensible recommendationsLead the annual salary review process, including planning, guidance, and calibration across the firmSupport bonus administration and ensure alignment to overall compensation programsOversee market pricing and benchmarking to maintain competitive, market-aligned salary rangesAnalyze compensation data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities (e.g., equity, compression, market gaps)Partner with Finance on budgeting, workforce planning, and compensation cost impactsEstablish and maintain consistent processes, documentation, and controls to support audit-ready, defensible decisionsDrive process improvements to increase consistency, efficiency, and scalability of salary administrationServe as a trusted advisor to HR and office leadership, translating data into practical, actionable guidanceMentor and develop compensation analysts while helping build the structure and capabilities of the team over timeQualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field10+ years of experience in compensation, with strong focus on salary administrationProven experience managing salary structures, market pricing, and compensation cyclesExperience advising senior leaders on compensation decisions and trade-offsStrong analytical skills with advanced Excel and data interpretation capabilitiesDemonstrated ability to operate at both a strategic and hands-on levelStrong communication, judgment, and stakeholder management skillsPreferred QualificationsCertified Compensation Professional (CCP)Experience in a professional services environmentExperience mentoring or leading team membersWhy Kimley-Horn?At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!Key Benefits at Kimley-HornExceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.