Senior Director, Compensation

The Sr. Director, Compensation role is responsible for compensation and rewards strategy and execution for VCA in collaboration and alignment with Mars Veterinary Health Total Rewards team and policies. The Senior Director will develop and oversee the VCA Production based commission program for our network of Veterinarians. This role will be a strategic and collaborative partner ensuring rewards programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with both business goals and Mars cultural values.

This role requires a blend of analytical expertise, stakeholder partnership, and a deep understanding of multi-unit operations. It has dual reporting into the MVH Total Rewards team to execute Mars signature processes across MVH and deliver impactful, data-informed compensation programs across VCA in alignment with the overall MVH strategy and direction. Within the VCA Business Unit, this role will work closely with the VP P&O, VCA, Finance, and Field Leadership to inform the design and deployment of compensation strategy and policies. This role may require some travel.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Compensation Program Leadership

• In partnership across the Mars Veterinary Health businesses, design and manage compensation programs for VCA, including base pay and incentive plans

• Lead annual compensation planning and deployment cycles for VCA (merit, bonus, living wage, market adjustments) with a focus on transparency and equity, and in alignment with the MVH leadership team and Mars signature processes.

• Conduct market benchmarking and job evaluations to ensure competitive pay practices across VCA roles in alignment with Mars Veterinary Health policies and in coordination with the overall MVH businesses.

• Partner with VCA leadership to advise on compensation decisions, pay equity, and emerging trends.

• Serve as key stakeholder and business unit representative across other total rewards initiatives and workstreams throughout the Mars ecosystem.

• Implement and execute compensation governance and process protocols consistent with Mars rewards roadmap as well as business unit financial objectives

DVM Commission Strategy

• Develop and optimize commission structures for veterinary doctors at VCA in coordination with Mars Veterinary Health.

• Collaborate with Field Leadership and Hospital Leadership to ensure commission plans are motivating, sustainable, and aligned with clinical excellence.

• Partner with Finance on all accounting of DVM Commission plans.

• Monitor and analyze commission performance, ROI, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on DVM compensation models, including production-based and hybrid structures.

Analytics & Governance

• Lead compensation and commission analytics, modeling, and reporting to support strategic decision-making.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, internal governance, and Mars standards.

• Maintain documentation and controls for all compensation and commission programs.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor a team of compensation professionals.

• Partner with P&O BPs, Talent Acquisition, Finance, and Clinical leaders across VCA.

• Work in coordination with Mars Veterinary Health Total Rewards to inform and deploy.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required;

• CCP or other professional compensation certification preferred.

• 15+ experience in human resources with progressive leadership w/in compensation or total rewards.

• Proven experience designing and managing performance-based incentive programs for a dispersed workforce.

• Demonstrated ability to implement process, governance and controls across a multi-site environment.

• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Human Resources

• Strategic Insights

• People Leadership

• Influencing w/o Authority

• Process and Analytical rigor

Additional Info: Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $217,000 - $265,500. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only.

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at