Senior Compensation Manager & Controller

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Compensation Manager & People Controller who brings strong compensation knowhow together with solid experience in personnel cost and FTE planning. Your primary focus will be compensation planning, ownership of compensation structures, and cost modeling, while also leading key processes in personnel expense (PEX) controlling and headcount forecasting.

What you'll do

• Own the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of compensation and reward frameworks (job architecture & leveling, salary bands, and planning guidelines).
• Conduct compensation analyses and cost simulations for salary reviews, promotions, and organizational changes.
• Prepare and validate compensation data for review cycles and support People Business Partners with insights.
• Lead the annual personnel expense forecasting and headcount planning processes.
• Monitor variances, identify cost drivers, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with the Senior Project Manager to design and configure the PEX/compensation controlling module within the HRIS.
• Design and compose dashboards and reports in Excel and the HRIS to enable effective compensation and workforce planning.
• Partner closely with People Business Partners, Finance, and business leaders to communicate frameworks, forecasts, and cost impacts.

What you'll need

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in Compensation, Compensation Consulting, HR Controlling, or Workforce/Financial Planning.
• Experience owning or significantly shaping compensation frameworks, benchmarking, or salary review processes.
• Deep understanding of personnel cost dynamics and budgeting logic.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and Power BI proficiency.
• Ability to translate data into clear insights and recommendations.
• Organized, detail oriented, and proactive in improving processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English and German.

Nice to have

• Experience with HRIS planning or reporting modules (e.g., Hibob, SAP SuccessFactors).

What they offer

• Tremendous amount of ownership and room to make a mark across organization levels.
• Flexible work model — work from home, a park, or the office; results and contribution are what count.
• Work in international teams with passionate colleagues from diverse industries and backgrounds.
• Stock options to participate in the success of GROPYUS.