Executive Principal

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Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Compensation Principal to join our Global Total Rewards team. This role will be a key partner in designing, implementing, and managing executive compensation programs that align with our business objectives, support talent retention, and comply with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in executive pay structures, incentive plan design, market benchmarking, and governance practices, while demonstrating strong analytical skills and the ability to influence senior leadership within a publicly held company.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in high-visibility roles, enjoys influencing decision-makers, and brings proven experience in executive compensation within a publicly held company. Qualified candidates must be able to work a hybrid schedule at our Bloomington, MN office.

• Design and manage executive compensation programs, including base salary, annual and long-term incentives, and equity plans.
• Conduct benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitiveness and alignment with company strategy.
• Prepare materials for Compensation Committee meetings, including developing presentations, analyses, and benchmarking data. Partner with internal and external partners to ensure materials are timely and relevant.
• Lead the development of the annual proxy/CD&A disclosures and ensure compliance with SEC and other regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and Investor Relations on executive pay governance, shareholder engagement, and Say-on-Pay.
• Maintain equity policies, LTI eligibility criteria, and tracking for Senior Leaders.
• Liaise with incentive plan participants/executives around compensation with clear and confident communication, both written and verbal.
• Provide strategic guidance on executive offers, promotions, and retention packages.
• Monitor trends, best practices, and legislative changes in executive compensation and corporate governance.
• Assist with ad hoc executive compensation related inquiries, including preparing exhibits, charts, graphs, and tables.
• Responsible for global mobility and relocation programs and compliance and partner with HRBPs, Finance, Tax and Legal to ensure proper administration and governance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in compensation.
• 3+ years of executive compensation experience.
• 3+ years of experience working in a publicly‑held company.

• Advanced degree or CEP/CECP would be highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of executive pay practices, equity compensation, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., SEC, IRS, FASB).
• Experience supporting Compensation Committees and preparing proxy disclosures.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

$103,300 – 134,200. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, performance.

This position is eligible for annual incentive plan based on performance and company growth.

Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid parental leave) and more.

Applicants for this position…