Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging 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
- Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA
- 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.)
Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.
Top Skills
What We Do
Kodiak Robotics is an autonomous technology company redefining the long-haul trucking industry.
We believe self-driving trucks will be the first economically viable application of autonomous vehicle technology. We founded Kodiak in the spring of 2018 to make that belief a reality.
Safety is our top priority. We are taking a safe and responsible approach to developing and testing our technology.
We are proud to work with some of the best in the business. We’ve built a world class team of technologists from leading autonomous driving programs who know the industry inside and out. Our combined experience and commitment to the vision will allow us to put self-driving technology on the road in the safest and most effective way.
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