Role Overview for VP, HR, Compensation & Benefits with a Public FinServ Firm – St. Louis, MO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded financial services firm in their search for a strategic and innovative Vice President of HR, Compensation & Benefits. Based in their corporate headquarters in St. Louis, MO, this executive will serve as a key member of the Human Resources leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This is a pivotal role responsible for the enterprise-wide design, implementation, and administration of all compensation and benefits programs. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with deep expertise in total rewards, particularly within a public company context, capable of creating programs that attract, retain, and motivate top-tier talent in a competitive industry.
You will be the principal architect of the company’s total rewards philosophy, ensuring that all programs are competitive, sustainable, scalable, and have a positive impact on business performance. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, financial acumen, and hands-on execution. You will partner closely with the CEO, CFO, and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on all executive compensation matters, including equity plan design, short- and long-term incentive programs, and the preparation of materials for the annual proxy statement (CD&A). This is a unique opportunity to shape the employee value proposition of a respected industry leader and drive meaningful change that directly contributes to the organization’s long-term success.
Key Responsibilities of VP, HR, Compensation & Benefits with a Public FinServ Firm – St. Louis, MO
Strategic Total Rewards Leadership
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive and progressive compensation and benefits strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives and talent management goals.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all matters related to compensation and benefits, providing strategic counsel to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors.
- Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs through data analysis, market research, and employee feedback to ensure competitiveness and compliance, aligning with the company’s overall total rewards strategy.
- Lead and mentor a team of compensation and benefits professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Compensation Design & Administration
- Oversee the design and administration of all broad-based compensation programs, including base salary structures, merit increase processes, bonus plans, and sales incentive plans.
- Manage the annual compensation review cycle, ensuring a smooth and effective process for managers and employees.
- Conduct job evaluations and market pricing to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness across all roles and levels of the organization.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to develop competitive offer packages that attract high-caliber candidates.
Executive Compensation
- Manage all aspects of executive compensation, including long-term incentive plans (e.g., stock options, RSUs, PSUs), deferred compensation, and executive perquisites.
- Prepare materials and analysis for the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, working closely with the CHRO, CEO, and external consultants.
- Lead the development of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) section of the annual proxy statement and ensure compliance with all SEC disclosure requirements.
- Monitor trends in executive compensation and corporate governance, providing recommendations to maintain best-in-class practices.
Benefits Strategy & Management
- Direct the strategy, design, and administration of all employee benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement (401k), wellness, and leave of absence policies.
- Lead the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process, including vendor negotiation, plan design changes, and employee communication campaigns.
- Ensure all benefit plans are administered in compliance with applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
- Champion a holistic wellness strategy that supports the physical, mental, and financial well-being of employees.
HR Systems & Analytics
- Oversee the optimization of HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, Oracle) for compensation and benefits administration.
- Leverage data and analytics to provide insights on compensation trends, benefits utilization, and program effectiveness, driving data-informed decision-making.
- Develop and maintain dashboards and reports for senior leadership to track key total rewards metrics.
Requirements for the VP, HR, Compensation & Benefits with a Public FinServ Firm – St. Louis, MO
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Direct, hands-on experience with executive compensation in a publicly-traded company is mandatory. This includes managing equity programs and preparing materials for the Compensation Committee and proxy statements.
- Proven experience designing and managing complex compensation structures, including sales and variable incentive plans, preferably within the financial services industry.
- Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to model complex financial scenarios and present data-driven recommendations to executive audiences.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations, including SEC disclosure rules, ERISA, and tax laws related to compensation and benefits.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of an organization, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree (MBA or related field) is highly preferred.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Executive Compensation Professional (CECP), or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS).
- Experience managing total rewards through mergers, acquisitions, or significant organizational change.
- Expertise with major HRIS platforms, particularly in compensation and benefits modules.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports the well-being of their employees and their families. The package includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual bonus eligibility, and a significant long-term equity incentive package.
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low employee premiums, as well as a robust employee wellness program, mental health support, and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A leading 401(k) plan with a generous company match and profit-sharing component, plus access to financial planning resources.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
Parental Support
Paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to employee growth, with tuition reimbursement programs and funding for professional certifications and conferences.
Additional Perks
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, and employee assistance program (EAP).
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical role. If you are a visionary total rewards leader with a proven track record of success in a public company environment, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information on our expertise and other opportunities, please visit our Human Resources Executive Search practice area.
