Senior Manager of Compensation

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you. Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires. As Senior Manager of Compensation, you’ll shape how we design and deliver competitive, performance-driven compensation programs—aligning business strategy, risk management, and market practices. This is a highly visible role with direct influence on executive decision-making, organization design, and total rewards strategy. What You’ll Do Shape Compensation Strategy & Governance Lead the design, implementation, and governance of compensation programs aligned to business strategy, pay-for-performance principles, and Associated’s Total Rewards Philosophy. Own Core, Incentive & Equity Programs Provide oversight of base pay, annual incentives (including sales compensation), and long-term/equity programs—ensuring scalability, market competitiveness, and alignment to business needs. Advise Leaders on Pay & Organization Design Partner with senior leaders to provide guidance on pay positioning, job architecture, and organizational design—balancing competitiveness, internal equity, and risk. Drive Data-Driven Decisions Deliver insights through market benchmarking, pay equity analysis, geographic differentials, and financial modeling to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making. Strengthen Risk & Regulatory Alignment Ensure compensation programs align with regulatory expectations for large financial institutions, with strong governance, controls, and risk mitigation practices. Lead Annual Compensation Cycle Oversee annual planning processes (merit, incentive, and equity), ensuring disciplined execution, budget alignment, and clear outcomes. Ensure Compliance & Control Maintain adherence to federal/state regulations and internal policies while proactively identifying and mitigating compensation-related risks. Build a High-Performing Team Lead, coach, and develop a Compensation team that delivers accurate, efficient, and compliant results while advancing capability and innovation. What You Bring Experience 7+ years of progressive compensation experience within financial services or a complex, regulated environment 3–5 years of people leadership or leading high-impact compensation initiatives Deep experience across core, incentive, and equity compensation Education Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or related field (required) MBA or advanced degree (preferred) Certifications (Preferred) Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Why This Role Stands Out Direct influence on executive compensation decisions and enterprise strategy Opportunity to modernize and scale compensation programs High visibility across HR, Finance, and business leadership Ability to shape fair, competitive, and inclusive pay practices We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified parties, including but not limited to people returning to the workforce, people with disabilities, those without a college degree, and veterans or those with military experience. In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life. Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans. Paid time off to volunteer in your community. Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focused Colleague Resource Groups. Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities. Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave, an employee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more. Personal banking, loan, investment and insurance benefits. Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest. Join our community on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Compliance Statement Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR. Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank’s anonymous Ethics Hotline. Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please contact [email protected] if you need an accommodation at any time during the process. Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify Notice English or Spanish. Know Your Right to Work English or Spanish. Associated Bank is Pay Transparency compliant. The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role. For certain positions, total compensation may also include incentive, commission, or bonus opportunities not reflected in the posted base pay range. $122,710.00 - $210,360.00 per year Apply To This Job