Role Overview
The Head of Field Compensation is responsible for leading and evolving the Agent and Field Management Compensation and Field recognition.
Reporting to senior Field Experience leadership, this role combines direct oversight of Field Compensation, Agent Compensation, and Field Compensation Operations. The role is responsible for the strategic design, governance, administration, and modernization of compensation programs that support the field. This role ensures compensation strategies align with business objectives, drive sales performance, attract and retain top talent, and maintain regulatory and financial compliance.
The VP partners closely with Senior Leadership, Human Resources, Finance, Legal/Compliance, and Executive Leadership to develop competitive and scalable compensation structures that motivate performance while balancing profitability and organizational goals.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of field compensation strategies for Agent and Field Management.
- Design incentive compensation plans, commission structures, bonuses, recognition programs, and rewards frameworks aligned to business priorities.
- Evaluate compensation effectiveness through analytics, benchmarking, and market trends.
- Recommend and implement enhancements to drive growth, productivity, retention, and employee engagement.
- Ensure compensation programs remain competitive within the industry and aligned with organizational philosophy.
- Establish governance frameworks and controls for field compensation programs.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations, internal policies, and risk management standards.
- Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Audit teams on compensation-related reviews and reporting requirements.
- Oversee documentation, plan communications, and compensation approval processes.
- Manage compensation budgets, forecasting, accruals, and expense modeling.
- Analyze compensation trends, productivity metrics, and financial impact of incentive programs.
- Oversee compensation administration processes, systems, and operational workflows.
- Ensure timely and accurate payment of incentives.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and automation opportunities within compensation systems and processes.
- Lead vendor relationships and technology enhancements related to compensation platforms.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on compensation-related matters.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing compensation team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
What You'll Bring
- 10+ years of progressive experience in compensation, incentive design, sales compensation, or related functions.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and enterprise-level compensation programs.
- Master's degree or MBA preferred.
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or related certification preferred.
- Experience within financial services, insurance, wealth management, or highly regulated industries.
- Deep expertise in field or sales compensation strategy and administration.
- Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of compensation regulations, governance practices, and risk management principles.
- Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
Job Level: LEVEL VP
Pay Transparency
Salary Range: $250,000 - $300,000
Overtime eligible: Exempt
Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes
Sales bonus eligible: No
Actual base salary will be determined based on several factors but not limited to individual's experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition to base salary, employees may also be eligible to participate in an incentive program.
Our Benefits
We provide a full package of benefits for employees - and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work.Click hereto discover more about our comprehensive benefit options or visit our NYL Benefits Site.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities. Click here to learn more about New York Life's leadership in this space.
Recognized as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, New York Life is committed to improving local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by the Foundation. We're proud that due to our mutuality, we operate in the best interests of our policy owners. To learn more about career opportunities at New York Life, please visit the Careers page of www.NewYorkLife.com.
Job Requisition ID: 94079
#BI-Hybrid
Skills Required
- 10+ years of progressive experience in compensation, incentive design, sales compensation, or related functions
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and enterprise-level compensation programs
- Master's degree or MBA
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or related certification
- Experience within financial services, insurance, wealth management, or highly regulated industries
- Deep expertise in field or sales compensation strategy and administration
- Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of compensation regulations, governance practices, and risk management principles
- Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience with compensation systems, automation initiatives, and vendor/technology relationships
New York Life Insurance Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — The package includes both a 401(k) with company match and, for many roles, a defined‑benefit pension, with day‑one vesting on the match highlighted for corporate employees. Financial professionals who qualify may also access a defined‑benefit plan and a 401(k).
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Parental & Family Support — Fertility support, adoption assistance, backup childcare, and free 24/7 online tutoring complement expanded Paid New Parent benefits that provide time off for all parents, with additional paid weeks typically available for birthing parents via short‑term disability. EAP resources and paid time off (including bereavement and volunteer time) further reinforce family support.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision plans are augmented by a company‑funded HRA option with wellness earn‑ups and FSAs for health and dependent care. Wellness resources and commuter benefits add practical support to everyday wellbeing.
New York Life Insurance Company Insights
What We Do
At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of integrity, mutuality, and financial strength fuels a future defined by bold transformation. As the largest mutual life insurance company in the U.S., we operate on behalf of our policy owners—not shareholders. That structure allows us to take a long-term view, investing in people, purpose, and innovation that endures. Guided by a clear enterprise vision to become a technology-, data-, and AI-powered company, we’re modernizing our platforms, rearchitecting experiences, and embedding intelligence across our products and services. Our mission has always been about helping people through life’s most meaningful moments. Today, technology is amplifying that mission—enabling us to serve clients, advisors, and communities in more personalized, proactive ways. With a diversified business portfolio spanning insurance, investments, retirement, group benefits, and direct-to-consumer offerings, New York Life delivers the stability of a Fortune 100 company with the agility of one that’s continuously evolving. We’re powered by a values-led culture, inclusive teams, and a shared belief that when our people thrive, so does our company. Here, tradition fuels momentum—and your ideas, energy, and growth power what’s next.
Why Work With Us
New York Life is transforming from the inside out—blending 180 years of trust with the velocity of innovation. What makes us different is our culture: grounded in integrity, humanity, and shared success—values that show up in how we work, lead, and grow. If you want a place where innovation has purpose—build what's next with us.
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
















