Tax Senior Director – Compensation & Benefits

Armanino

. Build and lead a national Compensation Consulting Practice, including its strategy, operating model, service portfolio, and growth roadmap .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesSenior💰 $275,000 - $374,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in compensation consulting, including strategy development, client relationship management, and team leadership. Proven ability to generate revenue and build a nationally recognized practice while delivering high-quality client engagements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Compensation ConsultingClient Relationship ManagementBusiness DevelopmentTeam LeadershipStrategic Alliances

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Compensation StrategyTotal RewardsEngagement Delivery ProcessesMarket PositioningRevenue Generation

Soft Skills

Executive PresenceCommunication SkillsNegotiation SkillsJudgmentRelationship Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)Certified Executive Compensation Professional (CECP)

Industry Keywords

Executive CompensationBusiness AdvisoryPrivate EquityThought LeadershipMarket Visibility

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and lead a national Compensation Consulting Practice, including its strategy, operating model, service portfolio, and growth roadmap
Develop and execute a go-to-market plan establishing the practice’s national market position and supporting profitable, sustainable growth
Create scalable methodologies, tools, quality standards, pricing approaches, and engagement delivery processes
Develop strategic alliances, referral relationships, and centers of influence across the compensation and broader business advisory ecosystem
Monitor market needs and evolve the practice’s capabilities to address emerging client priorities
Originate new client relationships and revenue opportunities through direct business development, market visibility, and referral channels
Build and expand relationships within Armanino’s existing client base
Collaborate across tax, accounting, transaction advisory, valuation, CFO advisory, and related service lines to identify and pursue cross-selling opportunities
Cultivate relationships with senior executives, boards, compensation committees, founders, private equity sponsors, investors, attorneys, investment professionals, and other advisors
Develop thought leadership, market-facing content, and speaking opportunities
Serve as the senior advisor and engagement leader on complex compensation consulting matters
Personally deliver sophisticated client work, particularly during the initial build phase
Translate technical analysis into practical recommendations for executive teams, boards, compensation committees, founders, sponsors, and investors
Maintain high standards for technical quality, client service, project economics, and risk management
Develop durable client relationships that lead to repeat work, referrals, and broader firm opportunities
Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team of compensation consulting professionals
Balance personal delivery, business development, practice management, and team leadership responsibilities as a player-coach
Mentor and coach future leaders while creating development opportunities and accountability
Build a collaborative culture supporting innovation, consistent quality, and exceptional client service
Scale team capacity and capabilities as client demand and practice revenue grow

Requirements

What you’ll need

15+ years of progressive compensation consulting, executive compensation, total rewards, or closely related advisory experience
Deep technical expertise across compensation strategy and design, with the ability to personally lead and deliver complex engagements
Demonstrated success generating revenue, developing client relationships, and building or growing a book of business
Experience advising senior executives, boards, compensation committees, founders, private equity sponsors, and investors
Proven ability to build, scale, or lead a consulting practice, service line, or entrepreneurial business
Experience building and leading teams, including recruiting, coaching, performance management, and succession development
Established market visibility and referral relationships
Strong executive presence, judgment, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills
Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, player-coach capacity with limited dedicated resources during the practice build phase
Long-term growth orientation and commitment to building a nationally recognized, profitable practice
Preferred: Portable book of business or a well-documented track record of successfully building one
Preferred: National market recognition in executive compensation, broad-based compensation, or total rewards consulting
Preferred: Published thought leadership, professional speaking experience, or active involvement in relevant professional associations
Preferred: Experience serving public-company boards and compensation committees
Preferred: Experience supporting IPO, pre-IPO, transaction, private equity, or venture-backed environments
Advanced degree in business, finance, human resources, economics, accounting, law, or a related field is preferred
Relevant professional credential, such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Executive Compensation Professional (CECP), is preferred