Senior Compensation Manager

Overview

We 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.

Responsibilities

Own and lead the firm’s compensation function, including salary administration frameworks, policies, and governance

Serve 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 management

Lead and actively manage compensation decisions, including offers, promotions, and off-cycle adjustments

Serve as the escalation point for complex or high-impact pay decisions, providing clear, defensible recommendations

Lead the annual salary review process, including planning, guidance, and calibration across the firm

Support bonus administration and ensure alignment to overall compensation programs

Oversee market pricing and benchmarking to maintain competitive, market-aligned salary ranges

Analyze compensation data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities (e.g., equity, compression, market gaps)

Partner with Finance on budgeting, workforce planning, and compensation cost impacts

Establish and maintain consistent processes, documentation, and controls to support audit-ready, defensible decisions

Drive process improvements to increase consistency, efficiency, and scalability of salary administration

Serve as a trusted advisor to HR and office leadership, translating data into practical, actionable guidance

Mentor and develop compensation analysts while helping build the structure and capabilities of the team over time

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field

10+ years of experience in compensation, with strong focus on salary administration

Proven experience managing salary structures, market pricing, and compensation cycles

Experience advising senior leaders on compensation decisions and trade-offs

Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and data interpretation capabilities

Demonstrated ability to operate at both a strategic and hands-on level

Strong communication, judgment, and stakeholder management skillsPreferred Qualifications

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Experience in a professional services environment

Experience mentoring or leading team members

Why 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-Horn

Exceptional 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.