Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

About this Role

We are seeking a Director, Total Rewards to design, implement, and manage our global total rewards strategy and team. This role is pivotal in ensuring our rewards programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with Lightmatter’s strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in compensation, benefits, and human capital management systems, and a proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive total rewards programs within the technology sector.

Success in this position requires the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, outstanding analytical and communication skills, and the ability to partner across all functions and levels of the company.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership:

    • Develop and execute a comprehensive Total Rewards strategy that supports organizational goals and enhances employee satisfaction.
    • Lead the development of compensation structures, benefits programs, and HR systems to ensure competitive positioning and compliance.

    Compensation Analysis and Strategy:

    • Design and manage competitive compensation programs.
    • Lead all aspects of the market pricing work effort to ensure jobs are priced accurately and positioned in line with the broader compensation philosophy. 
    • Analyze compensation data and metrics to identify trends, evaluate internal equity, market competitiveness and alignment with compensation strategy.
    • Oversee the administration of compensation policies and practices, including pay equity analysis, salary reviews, sales variable compensation calculations, and equity grants.
    • Ensure compensation programs are compliant with legal regulations and internal policies.
    • Manage and update compensation policies and procedures to reflect best practices, compliance requirements and evolving business needs.
    • Serve as an advisor on compensation-related activities, including new hire offers, promotions and salary adjustments are fair, market driven, and fiscally sound. 
    • Provide compensation-related insights and support initiatives such as systems and process improvements.

    Benefits Administration:

    • Develop and manage comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement plans, and other perks.
    • Evaluate, onboard and manage vendor relationships.
    • Monitor benefits trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and optimize program offerings.

    HR Systems Oversight:

    • Lead the selection, implementation and management of HR systems.
    • Collaborate with IT and HR teams to ensure HR systems are effective, secure, and meet organizational needs.
    • Analyze HR system data to generate insights and drive continuous improvement in Total Rewards programs.
    • Develop and maintain dashboards and metrics to track program effectiveness and support decision-making.

    Compliance and Reporting:

    • Prepare and present reports on Total Rewards metrics, trends, and program effectiveness to senior leadership and for the Board of Directors.
    • Manage audits and regulatory reviews, addressing any findings or recommendations.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Finance, or a related field. 
  • Minimum 12 years of experience in developing and implementing Total Rewards strategies that drive business success and employee engagement. 
  • People Management experience of at least 3 years.
  • In-depth knowledge of progressive compensation practices and market trends, benefits administration, and HR systems.
  • Highly analytical, self-motivated and detail oriented.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Handle the most sensitive employee information with discretion
  • Prior experience at a technology and/or startup company

Preferred Qualifications

  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build, lead and mentor a team
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and align total rewards programs with business objectives and our compensation philosophy.
  • Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that requires managing competing priorities and building new processes as the company scales.
  • Passion for operational excellence

We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.

Salary Range
$200,000$260,000 USD

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Savings Matching Program
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Flexible, hybrid workplace model
  • Stock Option Plan

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

 

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