Pearlmeyer

Vice President Executive Compensation Consulting

Chicago, IllinoisFull TimePosted Sep 15, 2026

Vice President Executive Compensation Consulting

Pearl Meyer is a leading advisor to Boards of Directors and senior management on the alignment of executive compensation with business and leadership strategy. We help organizations navigate consequential decisions involving executive pay, performance, governance, and leadership.

We are seeking a Vice President to join our Executive Compensation Consulting practice. This is an opportunity for an experienced consultant to lead sophisticated client engagements, advise senior decision-makers, develop talented colleagues, and take the next step toward a broader client relationship and firm leadership role.

As a Vice President, you will be at the center of our client work. You will connect Client Relationship Managers, client stakeholders, and internal teams—bringing structure to complex engagements and turning rigorous analysis into clear, practical recommendations.

The Opportunity

You will take meaningful ownership of engagements involving Boards, compensation committees, and C-suite executives. Working alongside experienced advisors, you will lead project execution, shape recommendations, strengthen client relationships, and help colleagues produce their best work.

Your responsibilities will include:

Lead Client Engagements

  • Serve as a trusted day-to-day contact for client stakeholders, Client Relationship Managers, and internal project teams.
  • Lead the execution of multiple complex client engagements, establishing priorities and keeping workstreams moving efficiently.
  • Guide the development of compensation analyses, benchmarking studies, incentive plan designs, and other customized solutions.
  • Translate analytical findings into clear insights and recommendations aligned with each client’s business strategy, talent priorities, and governance responsibilities.
  • Produce high-quality, client-ready reports and lead important portions of presentations to Boards, compensation committees, and executive leadership teams.
  • Anticipate client needs, exercise sound judgment, and help teams address emerging issues proactively.

Develop High Performing Teams

  • Mentor and supervise junior colleagues, providing clear direction, thoughtful feedback, and opportunities for development.
  • Review analyses and deliverables for accuracy, insight, and quality.
  • Create an inclusive, collaborative team environment that encourages curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning.
  • Help teams manage competing priorities while maintaining Pearl Meyer’s standards for responsiveness and excellence.

Build Expertise and Contribute to the Firm

  • Collaborate with senior colleagues on thought leadership, including articles, white papers, webinars, and other intellectual capital.
  • Contribute to proposals, marketing initiatives, networking activities, and selected business-development efforts.
  • Represent Pearl Meyer in professional settings and continue building a distinct voice and reputation as an executive compensation advisor.
  • Strengthen the firm through contributions beyond client delivery, including knowledge sharing, talent development, and practice-building initiatives.

The Work

Your engagements may address:

  • Executive and Board compensation strategy and benchmarking
  • Pay-for-performance alignment
  • Short- and long-term incentive plan design
  • Equity, severance, and change-in-control arrangements
  • Pay equity analysis and compliance
  • Compensation program development for IPOs and other significant business transitions
  • Governance developments and regulatory changes

What You Will Bring

You are a proactive, solutions-oriented consultant who combines analytical rigor with sound business judgment. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, communicating with senior stakeholders, and helping teams move from complex information to well-supported decisions.

Successful candidates will typically bring:

  • Five to seven years of relevant compensation consulting experience, preferably with a focus on executive compensation
  • A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, strategy, or a related field
  • Demonstrated success managing complex client engagements, project teams, and competing priorities
  • Strong knowledge of executive compensation practices, governance considerations, and relevant regulations
  • The ability to synthesize sophisticated analyses and communicate their implications clearly
  • Confidence presenting complex topics to Boards, compensation committees, and C-suite executives
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • A strong client-service orientation, intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and careful attention to detail
  • Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

Your Path at Pearl Meyer

The Vice President role offers a defined path toward Principal for professionals who demonstrate:

  • Consistent excellence in project delivery and client management
  • A commitment to developing colleagues and strengthening the firm
  • Meaningful contributions to thought leadership and other firm priorities
  • Growth in sales and business-development capabilities
  • The ability and desire to assume broader responsibility for client relationships and practice leadership

At Pearl Meyer, you will work alongside highly experienced professionals on issues that matter to organizational performance, governance, and leadership. You will have the opportunity to deepen your expertise, expand your influence, and build a long-term consulting career.

If you are ready to lead challenging work, advise senior decision-makers, and help shape the future of executive compensation, we invite you to apply.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $220,000 USD per year. This role is also eligible for an annual short-term incentive bonus.

Base salary may vary based on factors including location, qualifications, education and professional certifications, relevant experience, and performance, consistent with applicable state and local pay-transparency requirements.

Benefits

Pearl Meyer provides a competitive benefits package, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

Health and welfare benefits: Medical and prescription coverage, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, commuter benefits, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, group accident and critical illness coverage, life and AD&D insurance, group legal services, identity-theft protection, wellbeing programs, and work-life resources, including an Employee Assistance Program.

Time away and leave: Paid holidays, annual paid time off, applicable state and local paid leave, short- and long-term disability, bereavement leave, FMLA, ADA leave, jury duty, military leave, parental and adoption leave, and Washington State paid time off where applicable.

Retirement benefits: 401(k) savings plan.

 

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