Merck
Associate Director, Compensation and Equity Operations- Hybrid
Merck, Rahway, New Jersey, us, 07065
Overview
Job Description The Associate Director, Compensation and Equity Operations is a highly visible role responsible for leading ongoing cyclical activities and global initiatives that evolve our compensation platforms in response to global market conditions. This role emphasizes implementation and operational excellence, with the opportunity to lead (three direct reports) and partner with a cross-functional HR network. The ideal candidate is a strong consensus builder with solid fundamentals in compensation and equity administration, open to new challenges and forward-looking initiatives. This person plays a critical role in delivering the company’s compensation strategy and executing programs that enable global competitive advantage. Primary Responsibilities
Provide leadership around the development of compensation-related processes and the integration of compensation structure changes aligned to the CoE strategy.
Provide ongoing relevant reporting for all cyclical processes.
Run the INSPIRE employee recognition program including supplier management and oversight.
Oversee Equity Administration globally, including participant experience and supplier management.
Support process-related escalations with global service delivery teams and provide training to effectively support compensation processes.
Review and approve technical and process-oriented aspects of compensation communications, focusing on change impacts to the organization and service delivery model.
Drive the execution and continuous improvement of compensation processes.
Maintain and assess the effectiveness of tools available to stakeholders including HRBP and global talent acquisition teams to support compensation decision making.
Provide insight and analytics into user behavior during compensation processes.
Present material to senior-level executives and provide training to global stakeholders on the utilization of compensation planning tools; conduct training sessions for end-users.
Cyclical Activity
Oversee end-to-end delivery of all aspects of the annual compensation process with a cross-functional year-end network, including the implementation of compensation strategy changes within Workday’s Advanced Compensation environment.
Lead progression, promotion activities and processes across the organization.
Oversee and coordinate global pay equity activity with a cross-functional network.
Establish local and global eligibility requirements related to annual salary increases, bonuses, performance ratings, and equity awards.
Facilitate year-round data audits focused on global compensation data integrity.
Continuously improve compensation processes with a focus on governance models and solutions that advance self-service efficiency and effectiveness.
Participate in and support M&A projects as needed.
Manage equity programs including audits, monthly reporting approval, quarterly vesting, and grant activities.
Qualifications
Strong Microsoft Office skills (including advanced Excel and PowerPoint).
Strong knowledge of global compensation programs.
Ability to collaborate in a globally matrixed organization.
Capable of making sound decisions and adapting communications styles to various stakeholder groups with conviction.
Strong functional leadership and problem-solving skills.
Confident and comfortable delivering presentations to various levels of the organization.
Skilled in reporting elements of Workday.
Advanced analytics capabilities.
Required Education & Experience
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or currently pursuing degree completion, or equivalent relevant work experience.
A minimum of 10 years of overall HR or related experience with 7 years in progressive compensation programs, and 5 years of experience with Workday Compensation Planning module preferred (with a master’s degree, minimum experience is 8 years).
Workday HCM / Workday Advanced Compensation knowledge and deployment experience.
Broad total rewards experience in equity, US benefits and retirement administration is a plus.
Experience as a project manager is a plus.
CEP designation is a plus.
Required Skills
Analytical Thinking
Change Management
Compensation Programs
Compensation Strategies
Employee Recognition
Executive Compensation
Functional Leadership
Global Compensation
HR Organizational Design
Payroll Systems
Process Improvements
Service Delivery Models
Social Collaboration
Stakeholder Satisfaction
Vendor Management
Preferred Skills
Current Employees apply; Current Contingent Workers apply EEO & Compliance
US and Puerto Rico residents only: Our company is committed to inclusion. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please click here. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. We comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under U.S. EEO laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights; EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces diversity. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado, and other U.S. state acts. US Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model: three on-site days per week (Monday-Thursday) with Friday remote, unless business needs require on-site presence. This model does not apply to field-based, facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based roles, or roles with existing agreements that specify otherwise. The salary range for this role is $126,500.00 - $199,100.00. This is the range in good faith at the time of posting and may vary by factors including education, experience, location, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at the company benefits page. You can apply for this role through the company website or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee. The application deadline is stated on this posting. Local Compliance San Francisco residents: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles residents: We will consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Search Firms Merck & Co. does not accept unsolicited CVs/resumes from search firms without a valid written agreement. No fees will be paid in the absence of a pre-existing agreement. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status:
Regular Relocation:
No relocation VISA Sponsorship:
No Travel Requirements:
10% Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid End Date:
11/14/2025 Requisition ID:
R362318
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description The Associate Director, Compensation and Equity Operations is a highly visible role responsible for leading ongoing cyclical activities and global initiatives that evolve our compensation platforms in response to global market conditions. This role emphasizes implementation and operational excellence, with the opportunity to lead (three direct reports) and partner with a cross-functional HR network. The ideal candidate is a strong consensus builder with solid fundamentals in compensation and equity administration, open to new challenges and forward-looking initiatives. This person plays a critical role in delivering the company’s compensation strategy and executing programs that enable global competitive advantage. Primary Responsibilities
Provide leadership around the development of compensation-related processes and the integration of compensation structure changes aligned to the CoE strategy.
Provide ongoing relevant reporting for all cyclical processes.
Run the INSPIRE employee recognition program including supplier management and oversight.
Oversee Equity Administration globally, including participant experience and supplier management.
Support process-related escalations with global service delivery teams and provide training to effectively support compensation processes.
Review and approve technical and process-oriented aspects of compensation communications, focusing on change impacts to the organization and service delivery model.
Drive the execution and continuous improvement of compensation processes.
Maintain and assess the effectiveness of tools available to stakeholders including HRBP and global talent acquisition teams to support compensation decision making.
Provide insight and analytics into user behavior during compensation processes.
Present material to senior-level executives and provide training to global stakeholders on the utilization of compensation planning tools; conduct training sessions for end-users.
Cyclical Activity
Oversee end-to-end delivery of all aspects of the annual compensation process with a cross-functional year-end network, including the implementation of compensation strategy changes within Workday’s Advanced Compensation environment.
Lead progression, promotion activities and processes across the organization.
Oversee and coordinate global pay equity activity with a cross-functional network.
Establish local and global eligibility requirements related to annual salary increases, bonuses, performance ratings, and equity awards.
Facilitate year-round data audits focused on global compensation data integrity.
Continuously improve compensation processes with a focus on governance models and solutions that advance self-service efficiency and effectiveness.
Participate in and support M&A projects as needed.
Manage equity programs including audits, monthly reporting approval, quarterly vesting, and grant activities.
Qualifications
Strong Microsoft Office skills (including advanced Excel and PowerPoint).
Strong knowledge of global compensation programs.
Ability to collaborate in a globally matrixed organization.
Capable of making sound decisions and adapting communications styles to various stakeholder groups with conviction.
Strong functional leadership and problem-solving skills.
Confident and comfortable delivering presentations to various levels of the organization.
Skilled in reporting elements of Workday.
Advanced analytics capabilities.
Required Education & Experience
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or currently pursuing degree completion, or equivalent relevant work experience.
A minimum of 10 years of overall HR or related experience with 7 years in progressive compensation programs, and 5 years of experience with Workday Compensation Planning module preferred (with a master’s degree, minimum experience is 8 years).
Workday HCM / Workday Advanced Compensation knowledge and deployment experience.
Broad total rewards experience in equity, US benefits and retirement administration is a plus.
Experience as a project manager is a plus.
CEP designation is a plus.
Required Skills
Analytical Thinking
Change Management
Compensation Programs
Compensation Strategies
Employee Recognition
Executive Compensation
Functional Leadership
Global Compensation
HR Organizational Design
Payroll Systems
Process Improvements
Service Delivery Models
Social Collaboration
Stakeholder Satisfaction
Vendor Management
Preferred Skills
Current Employees apply; Current Contingent Workers apply EEO & Compliance
US and Puerto Rico residents only: Our company is committed to inclusion. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please click here. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. We comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under U.S. EEO laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights; EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces diversity. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado, and other U.S. state acts. US Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model: three on-site days per week (Monday-Thursday) with Friday remote, unless business needs require on-site presence. This model does not apply to field-based, facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based roles, or roles with existing agreements that specify otherwise. The salary range for this role is $126,500.00 - $199,100.00. This is the range in good faith at the time of posting and may vary by factors including education, experience, location, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at the company benefits page. You can apply for this role through the company website or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee. The application deadline is stated on this posting. Local Compliance San Francisco residents: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles residents: We will consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Search Firms Merck & Co. does not accept unsolicited CVs/resumes from search firms without a valid written agreement. No fees will be paid in the absence of a pre-existing agreement. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status:
Regular Relocation:
No relocation VISA Sponsorship:
No Travel Requirements:
10% Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid End Date:
11/14/2025 Requisition ID:
R362318
#J-18808-Ljbffr