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Description
As a key member of our Human Resources Leadership Team, the Director of Compensation & Benefits will play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources. This influential leader will serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, CFO, General Counsel, and Board of Directors-owning the design and execution of innovative, market-aligned compensation and benefits programs with a strong emphasis on executive compensation and governance.
This is a highly collaborative role that connects data-driven decision-making with purpose-driven strategy. You'll ensure our rewards philosophy not only supports business goals and performance culture, but also inspires, retains, and empowers talent at every level.
KEY RESPONSILBILITIES
- Lead with impact. Drive the strategic design, governance, and execution of executive compensation programs-including base pay, incentives, equity plans, and perquisites-that align with performance and shareholder value.
- Partner with purpose. Collaborate with the CEO, CFO, General Counsel, and external advisors to prepare board-level materials and ensure programs reflect business priorities, market trends, and evolving regulatory standards.
- Be the expert voice. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all things Compensation & Benefits, from incentive sales plan design to equity strategy, helping to guide business outcomes through rewards excellence.
- Craft a cohesive strategy. Build and execute a compelling, integrated Compensation & Benefits roadmap-including compensation, benefits, and well-being offerings-that drives employee engagement and reinforces our values.
- Elevate with data. Use compensation analytics, benchmarking, and internal insights to inform equitable, competitive pay decisions across the enterprise.
- Tell the story. Create performance metrics and dashboards to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and present clear, actionable insights to leadership and the Board Compensation Committee.
- Connect across functions. Influence and collaborate with HR, Legal, Finance, and Business Unit leaders to align on reward strategies, especially in the context of M&A, organizational design, and global expansion.
- Lead through change. Manage the harmonization of compensation and benefits programs during integrations and acquisitions-ensuring consistency, compliance, and cultural fit.
- Stay ahead. Ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements (SOX, ERISA, SEC, etc.) and proactively anticipate potential impacts.
- Drive performance. Oversee sales and incentive compensation plans that motivate teams and support growth strategies.
- Communicate with clarity. Lead the development and delivery of effective communication strategies for Compensation & Benefits, helping employees and executives alike understand the value of their compensation.
- Deliver excellence. Oversee vendor relationships to ensure high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective service delivery across all Compensation & Benefits programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in large, complex, and multi-location environments
- Deep knowledge of compensation design principles, incentive structures, benefits compliance, and equity administration.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate, influence, and inspire at all levels-including the Board.
- Exceptional analytical skills and business acumen; fluent in data storytelling and synthesizing complexity into simple, strategic messages.
- Proficient with HR Systems (e.g., Dayforce), compensation platforms, and benchmarking tools.
- Highly collaborative, agile, and employee-centric leader with a bias for action and continuous improvement.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g. CECP, PHR, SPHR) strongly preferred. High degree of Excel proficiency required.
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience with a focus on executive compensation, Compensation & Benefits strategy, and program governance.
POSITION INFORMATION
- This position pays $170,000 - $230,000 per year depending on experience
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Free Life and Disability Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to thousands of free online courses
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
- Referral Program with cash bonus
- Access to on-demand pay
- Paid parental leave
- A more complete list of benefits can be found here www.CentralBenefits.org
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company's innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro
, Aqueon
, Cadet
, C&S
, Farnam
, Ferry-Morse
, Four Paws
, Kaytee
, Nylabone
and Pennington
, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visitwww.central.comto learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Central Garden & Pet
$170,000 - $230,000
vision insurance, parental leave, sick time, 401(k)
Jul 23, 2025