Manager Executive Compensation

Executive Compensation Manager

Location: Denver, CO or Houston/Katy, TX — Hybrid , with flexibility

You’ll own the strategy and day‑to‑day operations of multiple executive compensation consulting projects, contributing to all aspects of the client engagement, and establishing successful relationships via top‑class client service. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring and developing the next generation of consultants through growth of technical expertise, client service skills and deliverable quality improvement.

What You’ll Do

• Be a key client liaison, supporting successful client relationships as a key point of contact for questions and active participant in client meetings, ranging from introductory conversations to board meeting presentations of final deliverables.
• Support lead consultants through management of multiple executive compensation projects from kickoff through final delivery.
• Build and refine client executive pay programs across base salary, annual incentives, and long‑term incentives—aligning with business strategy and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead market pricing and peer benchmarking using reputable executive compensation surveys and data sources.
• Develop and implement tools, templates, processes and methodologies that enhance productivity, quality of advice and client experience.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a business‑related field or demonstrated related experience required; Master’s and/or certifications (e.g., CCP, CECP) preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in compensation consulting.
• Knowledge of executive pay structures, incentive design, equity vehicles, and governance/regulatory considerations.
• Solid technical knowledge and capability with Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Demonstrated capabilities in financial modeling, compensation program design and problem solving/critical thinking skills:
• Ability to direct analysis of multiple data sets, resolve data integrity issues with limited input from lead consultants, and interpret complex information with minimal guidance to understand client impacts.
• Visualize and articulate data observations, alternative solutions and recommendations for clients.
• Excellent communication, presentation and project management skills, including the ability to:
• Confidently communicate with senior leaders and board members/committees.
• Provide constructive feedback to team members to further development.
• Provide clear and convincing oral presentations, highlighting subject matter expertise.
• Organize and manage multiple client projects with critical deadlines.

What Sets You Apart

• Self-starter approach to work life.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Desire to impact the world around you, both personally and professionally.
• A reputation for service, rigor, and reliability—you take pride in the team’s results, elevate others, and sweat the details.
• You love working with people and data—and you bring a growth mindset that helps everyone be their best.

Why You’ll Love Being Here

• Impact at the top. Your work shapes how leaders are rewarded, motivated, and aligned to strategy.
• Continuous growth. As the executive compensation landscape is always evolving, your work and professional education will also.
• A flexible and supportive professional environment that fosters positive culture through purpose‑driven work and care and compassion for the personal demands that exist outside of work for all team members.

About Zayla Partners (a Gallagher Company)

Zayla Partners is an executive compensation and strategy firm within the Gallagher family. For two decades, we’ve advised public, private, and not‑for‑profit companies on how to hire, inspire, and ultimately retire top talent. Our leadership has been recognized repeatedly—Texas Monthly’s Best Places to Work (10x), Houston Business Journal Best Places to Work (10x), and Forbes’ America’s Best Management Consulting Firms—because we love work that impacts a company’s most valuable asset: its people.

Our Core Values

1. Be your best self. Strive to grow; help others do the same. Celebrate wins together and own the misses.
2. Take pride in your work. Deliverables that wow , ahead of schedule—and solutions that are creative and sound.
3. Lead with a servant’s heart. Follow the Golden Rule. Respect everyone. Enjoy serving others.
4. Enjoy what you do. Be a passionate teammate, work hard, and make a difference—at work and in life.
5. Work with integrity. Do the right thing, especially when it’s hard. Keep your word and inspire trust.