Manager, Compensation Operations

Job Description: Ameriprise has an exciting opportunity for a Manager of Compensation Operations to join our team! In this role, you will lead the day-to-day execution of Compensation Operations while providing hands-on leadership, coaching, workload management, and development for a team of Compensation Operations professionals. You will oversee the delivery of compensation administration, annual compensation cycles, audits and controls, compensation systems support, operational readiness, and issue resolution, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant execution. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through effective capacity planning, continuity readiness, process improvement, and team development while building a scalable, sustainable, and high-performing Compensation Operations function.

Key responsibilities: Compensation Operational Leadership & Daily OversightLead and participate in compensation operations activities, ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent execution while reinforcing operational standards and resolving complex issues. Partner across Compensation, Payroll, HR Systems, and business stakeholders to drive operational efficiency and execution excellence. Team Leadership, Coaching & Employee DevelopmentProvide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and development for Compensation Operations team members. Manage workload distribution, capacity planning, performance, and prioritization to maintain service levels and support operational excellence across workstreams. Workload Management & Operational ContinuityOversee workload planning, resource allocation, cross-training, and continuity readiness across Compensation Operations activities. Identify and mitigate capacity risks to ensure sustainable service delivery and high-quality execution. Controls, Audits & Operational Risk ManagementSupport a strong control environment through audit, SOX, compliance, validation, and operational risk activities. Ensure documentation, approvals, and governance requirements are met while maintaining accuracy and compliance across compensation processes. Annual Compensation Cycle & Year-End SupportLead operational readiness and execution activities for annual compensation cycles and year-end programs. Coordinate resources, validations, issue resolution, and key operational dependencies to ensure timely and accurate delivery. Cross-Functional Partnership & Issue ResolutionBuild strong relationships across Compensation, Payroll, HR Systems, HR Services, Finance, and other stakeholders. Coordinate dependencies, support issue resolution, communicate effectively, and escalation risks as appropriate to ensure seamless execution. Documentation, Process Improvement & Operational ExcellenceDrive process consistency, documentation standards, training, and continuous improvement initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and execution quality through standardization, knowledge sharing, and process enhancements. Required QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent experience 5+ years of experience in Compensation Operations, HR Operations, Payroll Operations, HR Systems, or a related operational function Experience leading teams, coaching employees, managing workloads, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities Experience supporting annual compensation cycles and leading operational initiatives, projects, or workstreams Strong workload management, prioritisation, capacity planning, and stakeholder management skills Knowledge of operational risk management, controls, and compliance practices Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills Advanced Excel skills

Preferred Qualifications: 7-10 years of Compensation Operations, HR Operations, or related experience Experience leading teams through change, process improvement, and operational transformation initiatives Workday and/or compensation systems expertise Experience with annual compensation cycles, aud