Head of Total Rewards

Bigbear.ai•McLean, VA

17h

About The Position

We are seeking a Head of Total Rewards to design, build, and lead the enterprise-wide compensation and benefits strategy for BigBear.ai. This is a high-impact, senior role for an experienced Total Rewards leader who thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments — particularly those at the intersection of technology, defense, and innovation. Reporting directly to the CHRO, the Head of Total Rewards will serve as a strategic partner to the executive team, ensuring our rewards programs attract and retain exceptional AI, engineering, and mission-critical talent in a highly competitive market. Leveraging and partnering with internal and external resources and stakeholders, this individual will also navigate the unique considerations of a publicly traded government contractor, including clearance-carrying employees, equity compensation, and compliance with federal contracting requirements.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive Total Rewards experience, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
Deep expertise in compensation design, market pricing, and incentive program management — ideally within a publicly traded company.
Experience in the government contracting, defense technology, or intelligence community sector strongly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of executive compensation and experience partnering with Boards and Compensation Committees.
Strong command of incentive, sales and equity compensation..
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and other compensation regulations as they apply to government contractors.
Proven ability to use data and analytics to drive compensation and benefits decisions.
Exceptional executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite stakeholders and present to the Board.
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA or MS in HR/Compensation) or professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS.
Experience managing Total Rewards through M&A integration, including compensation harmonization across acquired entities.
Prior experience in a high-growth AI, SaaS, or defense technology company.

Responsibilities

Compensation Strategy & Design
Develop and execute a holistic compensation philosophy that supports BigBear.ai's talent strategy, competitive positioning, and growth objectives.
Lead market pricing, job architecture, and salary structure design across all levels — from cleared analysts to senior AI researchers and executives.
Design and manage sales incentive, short-term incentive (STI) and long-term incentive (LTI) programs, including equity (RSUs, options) for a NYSE-listed company.
Ensure compensation programs are compliant with SEC regulations, FAR/DFARS requirements for government contractors, and FLSA guidelines.
Benefits & Wellbeing
Oversee the design, administration, and continuous improvement of health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs.
Ensure benefits offerings are competitive within both the federal contractor space and the broader technology industry.
Champion a holistic employee wellbeing strategy — physical, financial, and mental health — aligned with BigBear.ai's culture.
Executive Compensation & Equity
Provide support for the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on executive pay design, benchmarking, and proxy disclosures.
Analytics & Governance
Build a data-driven Total Rewards function, leveraging analytics to measure program effectiveness, pay equity, and competitiveness.
Conduct and manage annual compensation review cycles, including merit, promotion, and equity refresh processes.
Lead pay equity analysis and remediation programs, ensuring fairness and transparency across the organization.
Leadership & Partnerships
Lead and develop a high-performing Total Rewards function, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a trusted advisor and business partner to HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Finance, Legal, and senior business leaders.
Integrate acquired company compensation and benefits programs in a timely and thoughtful manner.