Director, Equity Compensation & Administration

Wella•New York, NY

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Equity Compensation & Administration provides strategic and operational leadership for the company’s global equity programs, owning the design, governance, administration, and scalability of equity compensation across a growing, international workforce. This role is accountable for ensuring equity programs are compliant, auditable, and operationally sound while supporting business growth and a potential transition from private to public-company standards. As the enterprise owner of equity administration, this leader partners closely with Total Rewards, Legal, Finance, Accounting, HR, and external advisors to establish global standards, strengthen internal controls, and deliver a high-quality participant experience. The role combines strategic ownership with hands-on execution, requiring deep technical expertise, strong judgment, and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive experience in equity compensation and administration, including leadership in complex, scaling organizations.
Deep expertise in global equity plans, plan documents, and equity instruments across private and public-company environments (including extensive experience with SEC, IRS, and regulatory requirements related to equity compensation).
Experience implementing equity systems and scalable processes.
Strong understanding of ASC 718, SOX, SEC rules, Section 16, Rule 144, and 409A.
Demonstrated experience building governance frameworks, internal controls, and audit-ready processes.
Proven ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
Advanced proficiency with industry-standard equity platforms (e.g., Global Shares, Shareworks, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley).
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence cross-functional and senior stakeholders.
Exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Equity Professional (CEP) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Own the global equity compensation administration strategy, ensuring scalability, consistency, and compliance across 30+ countries.
Establish and maintain global standards, policies, controls, and governance frameworks for all equity programs.
Serve as the primary internal authority on equity administration, advising senior leadership on operational, compliance, and risk considerations.
Lead equity-related readiness activities for a potential transition from private to public-company reporting, including policy development, controls, and documentation.
Provide end-to-end ownership of all equity programs, including RSUs, PSUs, ESPP (if applicable), and any legacy private-company equity instruments.
Oversee all equity lifecycle events, including grants, vesting, releases, exercises, cancellations, expirations, and modifications.
Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and audit readiness of equity data, cap tables, and system records.
Lead international equity administration, including coordination with mobility teams, tax advisors, and local requirements.
Develop and maintain procedures supporting quarterly close, forecasting, equity roll-forwards, and long-range planning.
Partner with Accounting and Finance on all equity-related financial activities, including ASC 718 valuation, expense recognition, forecasting, and audit support.
Oversee the 409A valuation process and ensure ongoing compliance with tax and regulatory requirements.
Design, implement, and maintain SOX-compliant processes, internal controls, documentation, and audit trails.
Partner with Legal on insider-trading compliance, Section 16 reporting, Rule 144 processes, and equity-related regulatory requirements.
Own the equity administration technology roadmap; act as product owner for equity platforms and related tools.
Manage relationships with equity administrators, brokers, transfer agents, and external advisors.
Drive continuous process improvement to enhance accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and participant experience.
Maintain and evolve equity documentation, procedures, FAQs, and training materials.
Serve as a trusted advisor to HR, Finance, Legal, Payroll, and senior leaders on equity administration matters.
Lead employee education efforts related to equity programs, including onboarding, lifecycle events, and global communications.
Ensure a consistent, high-quality participant experience for employees globally, balancing compliance with clarity and usability.