Position Summary:

The Head - Compensation & Benefits (C&B) is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the organization's compensation, benefits, rewards, and recognition programs to attract, motivate, and retain top talent. This role ensures that all compensation and benefits structures are competitive, cost-effective, legally compliant, and aligned with the company's business strategy and culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Compensation Strategy & Management:

- Develop and oversee the organization's compensation philosophy, policies, and structures.

- Lead annual salary benchmarking, compensation surveys, and market analysis to ensure competitiveness.

- Develop and manage a comprehensive salary structure that balances internal equity with external competitiveness. Ensure the salary structure is aligned with performance, career progression, and income tax benefits for employees.

- Manage annual compensation cycles (merit increases, promotions, variable pay, and incentive programs).

- Partner with senior leadership and HR business partners to design compensation packages for key roles.

- Ensure pay equity, internal parity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Benefits & Wellness Programs:

- Design and manage employee benefits programs (health, insurance, retirement, leave, wellness initiatives, etc.).

- Design and implement tax-efficient compensation structures to maximize employee take-home pay while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

- Evaluate existing benefits offerings and recommend enhancements to improve employee satisfaction and cost efficiency.

- Negotiate with vendors and manage relationships with benefits providers.

- Introduce innovative well-being and employee engagement programs.

Rewards & Recognition:

- Develop and implement recognition frameworks to encourage performance and cultural alignment.

- Drive the design of incentive plans (short-term and long-term) for different employee levels.

- Ensure alignment between performance management outcomes and rewards distribution.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting:

- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, tax laws, and labor regulations related to pay and benefits.

- Maintain documentation and conduct audits of compensation and benefits programs.

- Provide dashboards and analytics to management on pay structures, benefits usage, cost implications, and trends.

Leadership & Collaboration:

- Lead and mentor the C&B team, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and innovation.

- Partner with HR, Finance, and Business Leaders to align C&B strategies with organizational goals.

- Act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team on all compensation and benefits matters.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Master's degree in Business Administration/ Finance/ Human Resources or related field.

- 12-18+ years of progressive HR experience with at least 5 years in compensation & benefits leadership roles.

- Strong knowledge of compensation frameworks, job evaluation methodologies, and benefits design.

- Hands-on experience with payroll software/HRIS platforms.

- Proficiency in HR analytics, Excel, and HRIS systems.

- Strong understanding of statutory compliance, tax deductions, and reporting through payroll systems.

- Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.

Key Competencies:

- Strategic thinking and ability to align rewards with business goals.

- High analytical ability with a data-driven mindset.

- Strong leadership and team management.

- Excellent communication and influencing skills.

- Ability to balance financial discipline with employee engagement.