Total Rewards Manager

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become the trusted world leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company is developing an industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for driverless long-haul trucking applications. Kodiak’s unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into a streamlined sensor-pod structure that optimizes for perception, scalability, and maintainability. The company autonomously delivers freight daily for its commercial customers across the Sun Belt states and for Atlas Energy in the Permian Basin. Kodiak also leverages its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

We are seeking an experienced and data-driven Total Rewards Manager who will support and manage compensation and benefits strategies that attract, retain, and reward top talent at Kodiak and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. Reporting to the VP of PeopleOps, this role is pivotal in enhancing the employee experience through strategic compensation and benefits initiatives and offers a unique opportunity to not just execute compensation practices, but to influence strategy, improve processes, and make a lasting impact on how we reward our people. 

In this role, you will:

• Manage the organization’s multi-state compensation program. Ensure benchmark analysis and salary surveys are completed to obtain external market data using Radford and other resources.
• Collaborate with leadership on compensation program design, analysis, and maintenance.
• Continuously analyze compensation data and trends to make informed decisions and recommendations regarding compensation adjustments, benefits changes, and other reward-related matters.
• Advise leaders of the organization on compensation best practices and communication.
• Collaborate with Recruiting in the creation of job descriptions to provide pay data in alignment with job levels and compensation structures.
• Develop and document procedures to streamline compensation processes.
• Lead the salary review process, including job evaluation, salary benchmarking, and merit increase recommendations, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assist preparing presentations, reports, and other materials for the Compensation Committee, outlining the rationale behind proposed changes and the potential impact on the organization.
• Manage all employee benefits programs. Support overseeing the annual renewal process while partnering with our benefits brokers and internal PeopleOps Team.
• Manage relationships with external vendors to ensure optimal service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Serve as plan administrator for company benefit programs, manage annual audit and filing requirements related to all benefits.
• Ensure compensation and benefits compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory governances.
• Optimize benefit programs ensuring they align with employee needs and company culture.
• Serve as a champion for change, identifying opportunities for organizational enhancement in the areas of compensation and benefits.
• Answer general PeopleOps questions. Manage other projects and support key initiatives as assigned.
• Handle confidential and non-routine information with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards roles, with increasing responsibility in multi-state environments.
• Expertise in compensation benchmarking methodologies (e.g., Radford, Mercer), job leveling, and equity program management.
• Strong understanding of U.S. benefits compliance and plan design.
• Analytical mindset with advanced skill level in Excel and various compensation tools (e.g., Radford, Mercer, Pave), and HRIS platforms (Paylocity preferred).
• Familiarity with equity plan administration tools such as Carta or Shareworks.
• Excellent communication and project management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Must exhibit a high level of professionalism and integrity and ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
• Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies
• Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
• Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
• Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
• Fidelity 401(k)
• Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
• Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

The salary range for this full-time position is $140,000–$180,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Actual salary ranges will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak’s sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate’s application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.