Associate Manager, Compensation Strategy

The Trade Desk is changing the way global brands and their agencies advertise to audiences around the world. How? With a media buying platform that helps brands deliver a more insightful and relevant ad experience for consumers –– and sets a new standard for global reach, accuracy, and transparency. We are proud of the culture we have built. We value the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings to The Trade Desk, and we are committed to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day.

So, if you are talented, driven, creative, and eager to join a dynamic, globally-connected team, then we want to talk

What We Do
Compensation Strategy & Analytics is a global finance team that enables and supports The Trade Desk's go-to-market efforts. We partner closely with HR, Sales, and Business Operations to design scalable incentive programs that align our sales targets with company performance. Our goal is to ensure every compensation decision supports organizational success, fairness, and employee engagement.

What You'll Do
As the Associate Manager of Compensation Strategy and Analysis, you will oversee the planning, analysis, and execution of compensation programs that align with business goals and performance outcomes. You'll lead a high-performance team, manage key reporting and governance processes, and deliver strategic insights to senior leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the administration, execution, and optimization of compensation programs that align with performance and company objectives.
• Oversee variance analysis on employee compensation and performance, translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Manage and develop a team responsible for internal compensation ticket resolution, Confluence documentation, and recurring reporting.
• Serve as the main point of escalation for complex compensation-related questions across internal business units.
• Partner with Accounting, Finance, and Business Operations to align compensation plans with broader budgeting and forecasting efforts.
• Present key findings and recommendations to senior leadership in executive-ready formats.
• Guide the development of automated tools and standardized reporting templates for global use.
• Ensure compensation policy documentation remains current and aligned with governance standards.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects focused on employee incentivization and workforce strategy.

Who You Are
You are a strategic, analytical, and collaborative leader with a passion for using data to drive smarter compensation decisions. You thrive in a cross-functional environment and are skilled at connecting insights to action.

Qualifications and competencies include:

• 6+ years of experience in compensation, revenue, sales support, operations, or related field
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret data and connect compensation outcomes to business performance.
• Deep expertise in compensation design, administration, and governance.
• Proven experience managing and developing a team, including oversight of reporting, documentation, and process improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in a clear, executive-ready manner.
• Experience collaborating with HR, Finance, and other business teams to align on shared goals.
• Proficiency with data systems, reporting tools, and documentation platforms (e.g., Confluence).
• Track record of driving process automation and scalable solutions.
• Strong project management skills and experience leading cross-functional initiatives.

The Trade Desk does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm recruiters. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of The Trade Desk. The Trade Desk is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only:
In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is The Trade Desk's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. All employees may be eligible to become The Trade Desk shareholders through eligibility for stock-based compensation grants, which are awarded to employees based on company and individual performance. The Trade Desk also offers other compensation depending on the role such as sales-based incentives and commissions. Plus, expected benefits for this role include comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, and vision) with premiums paid in full for employees and dependents, retirement benefits such as a 401k plan and company match, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, well-being benefits, reimbursement for certain tuition expenses, parental leave, sick time of 1 hour per 30 hours worked, vacation time for full-time employees up to 120 hours thru the first year and 160 hours thereafter, and around 13 paid holidays per year. Employees can also purchase The Trade Desk stock at a discount through The Trade Desk's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The Trade Desk also offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more.

Note:
Interns are not eligible for variable incentive awards such as stock-based compensation, retirement plan, vacation, tuition reimbursement or parental leave

At the Trade Desk, Base Salary is one part of our competitive total compensation and benefits package and is determined using a salary range. The base salary range for this role is

$93,800—$170,000 USD

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trade Desk is committed to creating an inclusive hiring experience where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please reach out to us at accommodations@ thetradedesk. com to request an accommodation or discuss any accessibility needs you may require to access our Company Website or navigate any part of the hiring process.

When you contact us, please include your preferred contact details and specify the nature of your accommodation request or questions. Any information you share will be handled confidentially and will not impact our hiring decisions.