AI use among compensation and benefits managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for compensation and benefits managers: 0% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Estimated annual base pay: $108,000 - $155,000

All Levels are eligible for the benefits below:

All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members

12 paid holidays

Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire

Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave

Paid parental leave

Adoption Assistance

Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits

Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life

Member referral bonus

Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending

Voluntary benefits, including:

o Home / Auto Insurance discounts

o Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

As a Compensation Manager at Woodward, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring compensation programs are strategically aligned with business objectives. Reporting to the Director, Compensation, you will lead compensation support for a business segment while contributing technical expertise and consulting leadership across Woodward’s enterprise-wide compensation programs. As a key leader within the Total Rewards team, you will help design, deliver, and continuously improve market-based compensation programs and standards, provide expert consultation to business and HR leaders, and ensure effective execution of annual compensation programs.

What You Will Be Doing

Lead compensation support for a business segment, serving as the principal compensation consultant and technical subject-matter expert to business and HR stakeholders while ensuring compensation strategies align to business objectives.

Provide strategic consultation to the business through needs assessment, data analysis and recommend competitive, sustainable solutions grounded in Woodward’s market practices, compensation philosophy, and governance standards.

Participate in the design and administration of incentive compensation programs and manage the delivery of bonus payments.

Participate in the annual salary planning cycle by supporting system configuration and testing, developing communications and training materials, performing audits, and providing analysis and reporting to stakeholders.

Monitor market benchmarks and emerging trends to maintain accurate market pricing data and develop competitive salary structures.

Support the ongoing governance and maintenance of the enterprise Career Framework, including job architecture, career leveling, and market alignment activities.

Ensure compensation programs comply with applicable laws, regulations, internal governance standards, and pay equity and transparency requirements.

Lead continuous improvement of compensation systems, frameworks and processes to strengthen efficiency and consistency to deliver business solutions.

Build strong internal and external relationships, partnering across HR, Finance, Legal, HR Technology, and business leadership to deliver integrated compensation solutions in a global environment.

What We Are Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a Business-related field preferred.

7+ years of experience in compensation design and administration across base pay and incentive compensation programs, job architecture and salary structures.

Demonstrated experience leading compensation support and consulting with business leaders, HR Business Partners, and cross-functional stakeholders on complex compensation matters.

Experience working within a global organization and navigating compensation needs across multiple businesses, countries, or regions.

Proficiency in HRIS systems and tools (e.g., Workday) and advanced knowledge of Excel.

Strong project management skills and the ability to lead work from concept through completion.

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex compensation data into actionable recommendations aligned with business outcomes.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex compensation concepts clearly to executive, business, and HR audiences.

Application window is anticipated to close 14 days from original posting date.

This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.

For the Rockford and Niles, IL and Zeeland, MI locations: This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).   All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

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