We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

The Senior Compensation & HR Partner is responsible for managing the company’s compensation programs and providing day-to-day support to the Sr HRBP Lead. This role administers compensation processes, conducts job evaluations and market analysis, and supports HRBP-related activities including interviews, performance cycles, organizational updates, and HR project execution.

Role Responsibilities:

Compensation Strategy & Development – (on average 50% subject to priorities)

Administer and maintain company compensation programs, including base pay, merit increases, and bonus processes.
Lead annual merit and bonus cycle administration, including data preparation, system updates, reporting, and follow-up.
Conduct job evaluations and assign salary grades using market data and internal leveling guidelines.
Participate in compensation surveys and analyze results to support pay decisions.
Prepare compensation analysis for new hires, promotions, and internal equity reviews.
Process and audit compensation-related changes in ADP WFN.
Ensure compliance with FLSA and applicable pay regulations.
Maintain and update job descriptions and compensation documentation.
Provide compensation reports and data analysis to HR and Finance as needed.
Lead bi-annual promotion cycles.

Strategic HRBP & Organizational Support – (on average 50% - subject to priorities)

Support the Sr HRBP Lead with day-to-day HR activities and follow-up actions
Represents HR in the interview process by participating in interviews, facilitating discussions, and supporting coordination and feedback documentation.
Prepare and process employee status changes (promotions, transfers, reorganizations, compensation changes).
Support performance review cycles by preparing materials, tracking completion, and compiling results.
Maintain organization charts and documentation related to organizational structure changes.
Drafts various employee communications, policy updates, and internal HR documentation.
Support investigations as needed by gathering documentation and preparing background data.
Support and sometimes lead HR-related projects by gathering data, preparing materials, tracking timelines, and documenting outcomes.
Respond to internal inquiries related to HR processes, compensation, and policy interpretation.
Support Talent Acquisition and Hiring managers with job description creation.
Other projects as assigned.

General Skills:

Advanced analytical and data modeling capability
Strong project and program management skills
Executive-level communication
Ability to influence without authority
High discretion and integrity
Strong organizational skills
Cross-functional collaboration expertise

Required Specialized Skills:

Deep expertise in compensation program design, governance, and regulatory compliance (FLSA, pay transparency, EEOC).
Advanced experience leading annual merit and incentive planning cycles, including modeling, budget alignment, and executive reporting.
Strong command of job architecture, internal leveling methodologies, and external market benchmarking.
Ability to translate complex compensation and workforce data into clear, actionable insights for leadership.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (modeling), PowerPoint (executive presentations), and HRIS systems (ADP WFN preferred).

Desired Skills:

Exposure to short- and long-term incentive structure design and governance.
Experience supporting organizational design and restructuring initiatives.
Familiarity with VW global HR policies and frameworks.
Understanding of compensation practices within technology or automotive industries.

Workplace Flexibility:

Approximately 10% travel as business requires.

Years of Relevant Experience:

6+ years progressive experience in compensation.
6+ years Human Resources experience leading enterprise HR initiatives.
3+ years in technology or automotive tech preferred.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field or equivalent experience.

Desired Education:

Master’s degree preferred; CCP, PHR, or SPHR certification desirable.

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. The salary range for this position is $128,369.00 - $166,561.00.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.