Director, Equity

Position: Director, Equity Compensation
## Director, Equity Compensation##

Job Description
** Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Possible.
** The Director of Equity Compensation and Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) will be a strategic leader responsible for the design, administration, compliance, and communication of the company's global equity compensation plans and ESPP. This role requires deep expertise in equity plan management, tax and legal compliance, and a strong ability to partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure these programs are competitive, compliant, and effectively understood by employees.

The Director will drive continuous improvement and enhance participant experience.
*** Hybrid out of Chicago, IL
***** Key Responsibilities
*** Strategy & Design:  + Collaborate with senior leadership, Legal, Finance, and HR to design, develop, and recommend equity compensation and ESPP strategies that align with business objectives, compensation philosophy, and market trends.  + Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure the competitiveness and effectiveness of equity programs.
* Administration & Operations:  + Oversee the end-to-end administration of all global equity plans (e.g., Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock Units, ESPP) for all employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.  + Manage relationships with external vendors, including stock plan administrators, transfer agents, and legal counsel, ensuring high-quality service and cost-effectiveness.  + Direct the processing of equity grants, exercises, vesting, and releases, ensuring accurate and timely execution.  

+ Ensure proper setup and ongoing maintenance of the equity administration system.
* Compliance & Governance:  + Ensure compliance with all relevant U.S. and international regulations, including SEC filings (e.g., Forms 3, 4,
5), Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls, and various tax implications (e.g., Section 409A, Section 162(m), FICA, global tax withholding).  + Partner with Legal to ensure plan documents, grant agreements, and participant communications are legally sound and updated as required.  + Oversee internal and external audits related to equity compensation.
* Financial Reporting & Accounting:  + Collaborate with the Finance and Accounting teams to ensure accurate equity expense accounting (ASC 718) and financial reporting.  + Provide data and support for proxy statement disclosures and other financial filings.
* Employee Communication &

Education:

+ Develop and implement comprehensive communication and education strategies to enhance employee understanding and appreciation of equity awards and the ESPP.  + Create and deliver presentations, workshops, and written materials for employees at all levels.  + Act as a primary point of contact for complex employee inquiries regarding equity programs.
* Process Improvement:  + Identify opportunities to streamline processes, leverage technology, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of equity program administration.
** Qualifications
* *
* Education:

+ Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.  + Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CEP - Certified Equity Professional) preferred.

* Experience:

+ 10+ years of progressive experience in global equity compensation plan design and administration, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or managerial role.  + Extensive experience with various equity vehicles (e.g., stock options, RSUs, PSUs, ESPP) in a publicly traded company.  + Demonstrated experience managing relationships with third-party stock plan administrators (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab, E TRADE, Computershare).  + Experience in a multinational organization with a complex global equity footprint.  

+

Experience with M&A integration concerning equity plans.
* Skills &

Competencies:

+ Knowledge of U.S. GAAP accounting principles related to stock compensation (ASC 718).  + Thorough understanding of SEC regulations, tax implications (domestic and international), and legal compliance requirements related to equity programs.  + Proficiency with equity administration software platforms.  + Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).  + Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail and accuracy.  

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.  + Proven ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Legal, Finance, HR, Payroll).  + Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including team development and project management.  + High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.##
** Salary and Benefits:
** The base salary range for this position is $142,700 to $235,455; the exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education and location. In…