Lead Sales Compensation Design Manager

Role Overview

Lead and execute Workiva’s global sales compensation strategy at the intersection of strategic planning and operational execution. Partner closely with senior sales leadership and cross-functional teams to design incentive plans and ensure accurate, compliant commission outcomes as the organization scales.

What You’ll Do

• Design competitive incentive compensation plans for all sales roles globally.
• Partner with the VP of Global Sales Compensation and Sales Planning to translate business objectives into scalable incentive structures.
• Advise global sales leadership on compensation strategy and execution.
• Support plan administration for the monthly commissions process, ensuring:
  • accurate crediting logic
  • correct transaction attribution
  • policy compliance
• Create executive materials and strategic business cases for the sales compensation steering committee.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of incentive programs and special incentives, recommending data-driven optimizations.
• Own the sales compensation cost model and perform advanced analysis, including:
  • scenario planning
  • quota attainment modeling
  • ensuring program cost aligns with company objectives
• Partner with Finance and Accounting on forecasting and compensation cost/accounting questions.
• Support adjacent initiatives such as quota setting and sales capacity planning.

What You’ll Need

• 5 to 7+ years of experience in sales incentive compensation, sales operations, revenue operations, or finance.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing sales compensation plans in complex, global environments.
• Familiarity with enterprise compensation platforms (e.g., Xactly).
• Familiarity with Salesforce.
• Strong capability with Excel/Google Sheets.
• Strong capability with PowerPoint/Google Slides.
• Executive communication skills to simplify complex concepts for senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with minimal supervision.
• Experience in management consulting.
• Hands-on experience using Xactly.
• SQL knowledge and experience.

Travel / Work Conditions

• Minimal travel for alignment and meetings.
• Reliable internet access for remote work.

Compensation & Benefits

• US salary range: $106,000 – $172,000 (location-dependent).
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at hire.
• 401(k) match and comprehensive benefits package.