Senior Manager, Compensation Operations

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Global Compensation and Talent Mobility, this role is responsible for leading all aspects of Compensation Operations, including end-to-end compensation cycle enablement, Workday compensation system administration, data quality and controls, analytics, and reporting. The role partners closely with HR Partners, Talent Acquisition, HRIS/People Technology, Payroll, Global Mobility & Immigration, and other Illumina colleagues globally to optimize processes, support compliant and auditable administration (including SOX-related activities), and ensure operations are aligned to the total rewards strategy and company mission.

Position Responsibilities:

• Leads cyclical compensation review processes end-to-end (planning, timelines, requirements, testing/validation, launch readiness, and post-cycle retrospectives)

• Responsible for compensation systems and tools (primarily Workday), including configuration requirements, data integrations, security/role considerations, and system architecture partnership with HRIS/People Technology

• Manages design and implementation of required compensation process changes in Workday in support of M&A transactions (at-close, through Integration and post-close)

• Document compensation process changes driven by M&A activities as required by SOX controls

• Provides project/program management across Compensation Operations initiatives, including work plan development, cross-functional coordination, stakeholder intake and prioritization, progress reporting, and process improvement identification

• Delivers reporting and analysis to drive data integrity, auditing, and accuracy for compensation programs and decisions; performs quality reviews of key inputs (e.g., market data loads and rules-based items) in partnership with Compensation Partners

• Partners on communications, job aids, manager guidance, and training/change management materials to support compensation programs and processes (including maintaining/updating content on internal resources such as Insider)

• Maintains key Comp systems vendor relationships and tools that intersect with Workday (e.g., market pricing/data providers and equity/compensation administration solutions) and ensures effective operational use

• Supports audit and compliance activities impacting Compensation Operations (e.g., SOX support, evidence gathering, process documentation, and remediation tracking) in partnership with internal stakeholders

• Supports operational administration of related talent processes in Workday (e.g., promotion cycle tooling), including documentation, troubleshooting, end-user guidance, and coordination of testing/validation with HRIS

Position Requirements:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related discipline

• Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience, with 3-6 years of Management experience. 

• Deep, hands-on experience with Workday HCM, Core Compensation, and Advanced Compensation, including end-to-end ownership of annual and off‑cycle programs; Workday Extend knowledge preferred

• Experience and proficiency analytics and project management tools

• Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, and demonstrated advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, vlookups, advanced formulas)

• Expertise in compensation principles, practices, and analysis, with advanced technical capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present effectively to all levels

The estimated base salary range for the Senior Manager, Compensation Operations role based in the United States of America is: $141,600 - $212,400. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.