Director, Global Compensation

GitLab is an open-core software company that develops the most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps Platform, used by more than 100,000 organizations. Our mission is to enable everyone to contribute to and co-create the software that powers our world. When everyone can contribute, consumers become contributors, significantly accelerating human progress. Our platform unites teams and organizations, breaking down barriers and redefining what's possible in software development. Thanks to products like Duo Enterprise and Duo Agent Platform, customers get AI benefits at every stage of the SDLC.

The same principles built into our products are reflected in how our team works: we embrace AI as a core productivity multiplier, with all team members expected to incorporate AI into their daily workflows to drive efficiency, innovation, and impact. GitLab is where careers accelerate, innovation flourishes, and every voice is valued. Our high-performance culture is driven by our values and continuous knowledge exchange, enabling our team members to reach their full potential while collaborating with industry leaders to solve complex problems. Co-create the future with us as we build technology that transforms how the world develops software.

At GitLab, we're building something extraordinary: a high-performance culture that puts our team members' experience at the heart of everything we do. As our Director of Global Compensation, you'll be instrumental in shaping how we attract, motivate, and retain world-class talent through innovative compensation strategies that align with our organizational goals and values.

This role offers the perfect blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution for someone who likes to build programs with a focus on detail. You'll design comprehensive compensation frameworks while mentoring your team and driving meaningful projects that impact team members across the globe.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Design and execute a comprehensive compensation strategy that positions GitLab as an employer of choice while supporting our ambitious business objectives
• Support executive compensation programs and collaborate effectively with our compensation committee
• Oversee critical compensation programs including annual focal merit review cycles, bonus structures, and equity planning initiatives

Innovation & Optimization

• Continuously enhance our job architecture and career progression frameworks to attract top talent and support internal mobility
• Serve as our subject matter expert for both short-term incentive programs (bonuses, sales commissions) and long-term incentive compensation (equity programs)
• Analyze and optimize existing compensation programs, proposing strategic improvements that align with our global business strategy

Communication & Stakeholder Partnership

• Develop compelling communication strategies that help team members understand and appreciate the full value of their compensation packages
• Partner with business leaders on complex compensation decisions, from new hire packages to retention strategies and performance recognition
• Stay at the forefront of market trends, implementing creative and competitive pay practices

Growth & Team Leadership

• Guide M&A compensation strategy and execution with precision and strategic insight
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of compensation professionals, fostering their growth while ensuring exceptional business partnership

Requirements

Professional Excellence

• Extensive progressive experience in compensation design and leadership, preferably within rapidly scaling, global organizations
• Deep expertise in executive compensation with comprehensive knowledge of core compensation principles and methodologies
• Strong analytical capabilities combined with creative problem-solving skills and sound business judgment

Leadership & Collaboration

• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments while maintaining high standards and attention to detail
• Demonstrated success in building consensus and driving engagement across diverse stakeholder groups
• Data-driven approach with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable recommendations

Communication & Technical Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting complex information to various audiences
• Experience in both public company and startup environments
• Background in compensation committee preparation and interaction
• Experience leading remote, globally distributed teams

Compensation

The base salary range for this role’s listed level is currently for residents of listed locations only. Grade level and salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities of the applicant, equity with other team members, and alignment with market data. Sales roles are also eligible for incentive pay targeted at up to 100% of the offered base salary.

$167,000 - $313,000 USD

Country Hiring Guidelines: GitLab hires new team members in countries around the world. All of our roles are remote, however some roles may carry specific location-based eligibility requirements. Our Talent Acquisition team can help answer any questions about location after starting the recruiting process.

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GitLab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. GitLab’s policies and practices relating to recruitment, employment, career development and advancement, promotion, and retirement are based solely on merit, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information (including family medical history), discharge status from the military, protected veteran status (which includes disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans), or any other basis protected by law. GitLab will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.