Director of Compensation

Western Digital Director Of CompensationAt Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon. We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world's biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future. Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You'll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That's us, too. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital, G-Technology and WD brands. Today's exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It's You & Western Digital. Together, we're the next BIG thing in data.Job SummaryThe Director of Compensation leads the strategic design and operational execution of the company's compensation programs. This role ensures that all compensation practicesincluding base pay, variable pay, equity, job architecture, and market analysisare competitive, compliant, scalable, and aligned with the company's strategic goals. The Director partners closely with senior HR leaders and business executives, advising on compensation strategies to attract, retain, and motivate top talent.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & PartnershipDevelop and drive a holistic compensation strategy that supports business objectives and employee experience.Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and HR Business Partners on compensation philosophy, pay decisions, and organizational design.Provide executive-level consultation on compensation-related issues including workforce structure, retention risks, and leadership transitions.Compensation Operations OwnershipLead the design and execution of compensation operations, including:Job architecture and leveling frameworksAnnual compensation cycles (merit, bonus, equity)Global market benchmarking and survey participationCompensation tools and systems (e.g., HRIS, comp planning platforms)Ensure operational excellence, accuracy, and scalability in all compensation processes.Governance, Compliance & Risk MitigationOwn compensation governance, including policies, process documentation, and approval workflows.Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (FLSA, pay equity, transparency laws, etc.).Partner with Legal, HR, and Finance on audit support, reporting, and risk mitigation related to compensation practices.Analytics & InsightsIn partnership with systems & analytics leader, oversee compensation analytics and reporting to inform decision-making across the organization.Monitor compensation trends and market intelligence; provide recommendations to maintain competitive positioning.Use data to identify pay equity issues, workforce cost trends, and reward optimization opportunities.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or related field; Master's or MBA preferred. CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) certification highly preferred. 10+ years of progressive compensation experience, with at least 35 years in a leadership role. Experience managing compensation operations. Strong analytical, project management, and strategic thinking skills. Proficiency with compensation tools and platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, MarketPay). Excellent communication and influencing skills; proven ability to work with senior leadership.Preferred AttributesExperience supporting high-growth, matrixed, or global organizations. Ability to lead through ambiguity and build scalable processes in dynamic environments.Compensation & Benefits DetailsAn employee's pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; skills, ability, knowledge of the job; performance, contribution and results; geographic location; shift; internal and external equity; and business and organizational needs. The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future. If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned. You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital's Short Term Incentive Plan ("STI Plan") or the Sales Incentive Plan ("SIP") which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.