Associate Director of Compensation & Benefits

About the position

Dr. Squatch’s People & Culture (P&C) Team is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Associate Director of Compensation and Benefits to join our team. This role involves end-to-end ownership of compensation and benefits management, including supervising payroll processing, while also contributing to long-term strategic planning and organizational success. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, financial acumen, and project management expertise to drive initiatives that align with Dr. Squatch’s business goals. This position requires a deep understanding of compensation and benefits trends, financial forecasting, and contingency planning, as well as the ability to build stakeholder buy-in and present insights to executive leadership. The role will also involve short- and long-range planning to ensure the organization remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent. This role reports to the Senior Director of People Operations and Risk Management and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with company objectives. This is a full-time hybrid role based out of Squatch HQ in Marina del Rey, CA, with regular scheduled trips to our manufacturing facility in Brea, CA. The anticipated base compensation for this role will be $125,000 to $150,000, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and local market rates.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term compensation and benefits strategies that align with Dr. Squatch’s business objectives.
• Conduct financial forecasting and budget planning for compensation, benefits, and payroll programs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with company goals.
• Collaborate with leadership to forecast workforce needs and design compensation structures that support growth and scalability.
• Lead contingency planning efforts to mitigate risks related to compensation, benefits, and payroll processes.
• Design, implement, and administer competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programs.
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to the benefits package based on employee needs, market trends, and financial feasibility.
• Manage the annual pay increase and bonus processes, ensuring alignment with performance management and organizational goals.
• Provide guidance to managers and P&C team members on compensation-related matters.
• Lead cross-functional projects related to compensation, benefits, and payroll, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee vendor relationships for benefits administration, ensuring high-quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Direct and oversee all aspects of payroll processing, including compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to drive alignment and buy-in for compensation and benefits initiatives.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations on compensation, benefits, and payroll data, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on compensation and benefits strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, and payroll tax filings.
• Monitor regulatory updates and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.
• Develop and maintain contingency plans to address potential risks in payroll and benefits administration.
• Perform other strategic and operational duties as assigned to support the People & Culture team and organizational goals.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in human resources, compensation, benefits administration, or a similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field is preferred. Additional experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• HR, payroll, and/or benefits certifications (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS) are highly desirable.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans related to compensation and benefits.
• Strong financial forecasting and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build stakeholder buy-in and foster collaboration across teams.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll and benefits compliance, including familiarity with systems like ADP and UKG.
• Experience working with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a good sense of humor.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance.
• 401k with Squatch match.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Healthy snacks.
• Frequent company events.
• Free products.