Senior Compensation Manager/Director
At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." We invest in our people because great people run great operations that will exceed our guests' expectations. Talk to any of our associates and you will experience a culture dedicated to its mission and our five fundamental values- Proactive, Respect/Win-Win, Growth, Great Operations, and Giving.
Panda Restaurant Group includes the original Panda Inn fine dining restaurants, Panda Express, our Gourmet Chinese food concept served in a fast casual environment, and Hibachi San, our Japanese grill concept. The family owned and operated company is still run by founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng.
Panda offers competitive benefits and rewarding opportunities, from entry-level positions to management. We have restaurant positions available nationwide and support center positions in Rosemead, CA. Come join the nation's largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant company.
Summary of Job Scope and Expectations:
The Senior Compensation Manager/Director position is responsible for developing and managing the company’s compensation programs (base pay and bonus) for Support Center and Operations jobs, ensuring their proper administration, including focal point review. The Senior Compensation Manager/Director works with the Executive Director to enhance the compensation programs and achieve greater efficiency in administering them. This position provides recommendations on changes to the programs to ensure they remain competitive with peer organizations. The Senior Compensation Manager/Director is responsible for leading and overseeing the Compensation team.
Essential functions:
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this job’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Responsible for developing and managing the company’s compensation programs, including base pay and bonus plans for Support Center and Operations associates. In collaboration with the Executive Director, recommends changes and enhancements to the programs to ensure they remain competitive and motivational.
- Leads the Compensation team, coaching and developing associates to support company growth objectives. Works with the Executive Director on recruiting and retaining staff.
- Provides recommendations on improving compensation based on detailed competitive analysis in order to ensure Panda is fully competitive and capable of recruiting and retaining talent. Makes recommendations on changes to the company’s base pay structures and to the bonus plans.
- Oversees compensation analyses conducted by Compensation Analysts to determine market competitive total compensation levels using reputable third-party surveys as the basis for creating competitive total rewards programs for Support Center and Operations associates.
- Oversees the administration of all compensation plans for Support Center and Operations associates, including the focal point review process and bonus programs, ensuring administration is timely and accurate.
- Enhances Support Center and Operations compensation processes, including working with the IS department on automation for greater efficiency.
- Prepares communications on compensation administration guidelines applicable to SC and Operations associates for distribution to associates to ensure understanding and appreciation of the company’s compensation programs.
- Conducts training sessions at the SC and in the field for both Support Center and Operations associates on compensation programs to ensure their understanding.
- Oversees the development of job descriptions, career progression charts, and related job documentation. Assists leaders with organization and job design to provide appropriate career growth opportunities.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; Business and/or HR major preferred; MBA preferred
- Minimum seven to ten years of HR and compensation experience with increasing management responsibility, preferably in a retail/hospitality operations environment
- CCP or equivalent certification required
- Successful completion of annual store training.
- Ability to demonstrate and teach Panda’s Mission, Values, and Culture
- Thorough knowledge of all aspects of compensation
- Strong knowledge of broad range of HR functions
- Thorough knowledge of HR laws and regulations related to compensation
- Strong knowledge of company HR/compensation policies, processes, and programs
- Strong knowledge of HRIS
- Strong leadership, people management, and team building skills
- Strong communication (oral and written), listening, facilitation, presentation, and training skills
- Strong relationship building skills applied internally and externally
- Strong project and financial management and analysis skills
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Strong computer/technology skills and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HR technology
- Ability to develop and coach associates
- Ability to assess professional and potential management talent
- Ability to think strategically
- Ability to foster and encourage diverse viewpoints
- Ability to work with and advise senior leadership
- Ability to work with outside consultants
- Ability to provide effective training on compensation and related HR processes and programs
- Ability to confront difficult situations, resolve conflicts, and build consensus
- Ability to work positively and negotiate with others inside and outside the company
- Ability to embrace change and continuous learning
