Senior Compensation Partner - Corporate Functions & M&A

Senior Compensation Partner – Corporate Functions & M&A

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, this role reports directly to the Director of Total Rewards and supports the global People & Culture organization. The Senior Compensation Partner will design, implement, and administer executive and broad-based compensation decisions for new hires and internal employees, driving strategies that attract, retain, and motivate top talent.

• Act as a business partner to People & Culture and business leadership to support decision making for hiring, promotions, organizational initiatives, and annual compensation programs.
• Manage the global compensation architecture, including design and creation of new jobs and salary structures.
• Conduct research, quantitative analysis, data modeling, and data mining to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.
• Aggregate data and participate in compensation surveys as needed.
• Develop and deliver communication and training on compensation programs to recruiters, HR professionals, and managers.
• Research and recommend innovative compensation tools, emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI).
• Assist with developing a comprehensive total rewards strategy and roadmap.
• Collaborate with IT to improve processes and enhance systems.
• Provide analytical support for total rewards compliance requirements.
• Review and approve compensation requests for new hires and internal transfers.
• Create presentations and provide recommendations to leadership.

• Eight or more years of professional experience in compensation analysis and administration, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (12+ years of total work experience).
• Experience leading internal and external market analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including building models and analyses.

• Master’s degree.
• Experience managing compensation decisions within a corporate function or in management consulting.
• Experience supporting corporate functions such as Finance, IT, or People & Culture, and involvement in mergers and acquisitions.
• Strong analytical, project management, and quantitative skills with the ability to present to varied audiences.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing base compensation, incentive compensation, and company policies.
• In-depth understanding of compensation best practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Consultative skills and ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities using best practices.
• Experience developing stock‑based compensation packages.
• Highly organized with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) credential (preferred).
• Experience using AI tools such as Compa, Pave, Open Code, and Radford compensation survey.

Base Salary (CA Only): $116,000 – $145,000 USD annually.

Employees may also receive company equity and access to a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan option; dental and vision coverage; 3 weeks paid vacation; 5 days sick leave per year; 11 paid holidays; flexible spending and dependent care accounts; paid parental leave; disability and life insurance; and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include an employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and discounts.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoffs, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application process for a U.S. position should contact Giulia Johnson. Only messages pertaining to disabilities will be considered.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Long Beach, CA – U.S. Office only. Candidates for New Zealand offices must meet ITAR eligibility requirements.