Senior Compensation & Benefits Manager

Senior Compensation & Benefits Manager, Total Rewards

About Jama Software

At Jama Software, we empower innovators to create the future. Our industry-leading platform, Jama Connect®, is the trusted backbone for multidisciplinary engineering teams building humanity’s next breakthroughs – from cutting-edge medical devices and surgical robotics to revolutionary software-defined vehicles and space technology. By providing Live Traceability™ across complex development processes and best-of-breed tools, we help organizations minimize risk, reduce costly rework, and accelerate time to market.

Join a company that supports a rapidly growing global customer base spanning critical sectors like automotive, medical devices, aerospace & defense, semiconductor, and more.

The Opportunity

Are you a hands-on, experienced Compensation & Benefits professional ready to play a critical role in shaping how Jama Software attracts, retains, and motivates top talent? We’re seeking a driven Senior Compensation & Benefits Manager to be the primary architect and administrator of our vital Total Rewards programs.

In this key individual contributor position, you will be responsible for the strategy, review, implementation, and day-to-day management of our compensation and benefits offerings. You’ll ensure our programs are not only competitive in the market but also compliant with ever-changing regulations and perfectly aligned with Jama’s strategic goals. This role encompasses the full spectrum of Total Rewards, from managing our health, wellness, and retirement plans (including U.S. 401k administration) to owning all aspects of our compensation operations, including salary benchmarking, job leveling, and our annual review cycle.

You will be the go-to expert, partnering closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure data accuracy, operational excellence, and a positive employee experience.

This position requires you to be located on the West Coast within the Pacific Time Zone.

What You’ll Do

As the Senior Compensation & Benefits Manager, you will:

• Design, implement, and administer comprehensive benefits programs (health, dental, vision, life, wellness, disability, parental leave, etc.) that are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with relevant laws.
• Lead the management of U.S. retirement and savings plans, including 401k administration, coordination of compliance testing, oversight of employer contributions, and crafting employee communications.
• Drive all compensation operations, including participating in market surveys, conducting salary benchmarking and market pricing analyses, and managing annual compensation processes (merit increases, bonuses, equity refresh).
• Maintain and evolve our compensation structures, including pay ranges, incentive targets, and the overall job leveling framework, balancing internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Cultivate strong relationships and act as the primary liaison with third-party benefits and 401k vendors and brokers, ensuring high service levels and managing renewals effectively.
• Collaborate seamlessly with the Payroll team to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits deductions and compensation changes.
• Serve as the expert point of contact for employee inquiries regarding compensation and benefits, providing clear explanations and resolving issues.
• Plan and execute key annual events such as Open Enrollment, updating plan documentation, managing renewals, and coordinating compliance reporting (5500 filings, ACA, nondiscrimination testing).
• Ensure rigorous compliance with all legal requirements across benefits and compensation offerings, working closely with legal counsel as needed.
• Manage leave of absence programs (FMLA, state leaves, disability), ensuring accurate tracking and communication.
• Oversee global vacation and time-off policies, ensuring alignment with local regulations and internal standards.
• Partner cross-functionally to align Total Rewards with broader business objectives and enhance employee understanding and engagement through effective communication strategies.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of benefits and compensation data within HRIS and related systems, coordinating system updates as required.
• Handle other duties as assigned that contribute to the success of our Total Rewards function.

What You’ll Bring

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A minimum of 6+ years of hands-on experience in a dedicated Compensation and Benefits role, with experience managing programs in multiple geographies preferred.
• Proven expertise in U.S. benefits and retirement plan administration, including deep experience with 401k management.
• Direct, hands-on experience with global compensation operations, including survey participation, benchmarking, and market pricing.
• Experience working extensively with HRIS platforms and vendor portals.
• Solid knowledge of U.S. benefits compliance (ERISA, ACA) and global compensation compliance requirements (FLSA, etc.).
• Specific working knowledge of 401k compliance testing and fiduciary responsibilities.
• A strong understanding of core compensation principles, including benchmarking, developing and maintaining pay ranges, and conducting pay equity analysis.
• Experience with EDI and setting up vendor file feeds is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy when handling sensitive compensation and benefits data.
• An analytical and data-driven mindset, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of clearly explaining complex information to various audiences.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, including the ability to effectively negotiate benefits renewals.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms, Microsoft Excel (advanced skills preferred), and other compensation/benefits tools.
• The ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of discretion and integrity.

Bonus Points

While not required, the following would be a plus:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional HR certifications such as SHRM or CEBS.

Life at Jama Software Includes

We believe in creating a work environment where you can thrive. Our perks and benefits are designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• A dynamic virtual-first and culturally diverse work environment spanning 8 countries.
• Engaging and challenging work that allows you to make distinct, company-shaping contributions.
• Flexible time off and leave programs designed for rejuvenation and support during life events, complemented by a quarterly $75 wellness reimbursement.
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with pre-tax savings options and a generous 401k employer match.
• Over 6 weeks of paid parental leave to bond with your new family member.
• A strong emphasis on learning and development at all levels, including access to resources like LinkedIn Learning.

Ready to Apply?

At Jama Software, we welcome passionate individuals who have the unrestricted right to work in the United States (including natural citizens and Green Card holders) and reside in eligible states to join our team. Jama Software participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9.

If you’ve read this far and feel excited about this opportunity, we strongly encourage you to apply! Even if you don’t believe you meet every single requirement listed, we are eager to connect with talented people who resonate with Jama Software’s mission and can bring diverse value to our team – not just those who check every box.

Jama Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process, as well as for performing essential job functions and receiving other employment benefits. Please contact us at recruiting@jamasoftware.com to request an accommodation.

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