Director - Global Compensation

At GitLab, we're building something extraordinary: a high-performance culture that puts our team members' experience at the heart of everything we do. As our Director of Global Compensation, you'll be instrumental in shaping how we attract, motivate, and retain world-class talent through innovative compensation strategies that align with our organizational goals and values.

This role offers the perfect blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution for someone who likes to build programs with a focus on detail. You'll design comprehensive compensation frameworks while mentoring your team and driving meaningful projects that impact team members across the globe.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Design and execute a comprehensive compensation strategy that positions GitLab as an employer of choice while supporting our ambitious business objectives

• Support executive compensation programs and collaborate effectively with our compensation committee

• Oversee critical compensation programs including annual focal merit review cycles, bonus structures, and equity planning initiatives

Innovation & Optimization

• Continuously enhance our job architecture and career progression frameworks to attract top talent and support internal mobility

• Serve as our subject matter expert for both short-term incentive programs (bonuses, sales commissions) and long-term incentive compensation (equity programs)

• Analyze and optimize existing compensation programs, proposing strategic improvements that align with our global business strategy

Communication & Stakeholder Partnership

• Develop compelling communication strategies that help team members understand and appreciate the full value of their compensation packages

• Partner with business leaders on complex compensation decisions, from new hire packages to retention strategies and performance recognition

• Stay at the forefront of market trends, implementing creative and competitive pay practices

Growth & Team Leadership

• Guide M&A compensation strategy and execution with precision and strategic insight

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of compensation professionals, fostering their growth while ensuring exceptional business partnership

Requirements

Professional Excellence

• Extensive progressive experience in compensation design and leadership, preferably within rapidly scaling, global organizations

• Deep expertise in executive compensation with comprehensive knowledge of core compensation principles and methodologies

• Strong analytical capabilities combined with creative problem-solving skills and sound business judgment

Leadership & Collaboration

• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments while maintaining high standards and attention to detail

• Demonstrated success in building consensus and driving engagement across diverse stakeholder groups

• Data-driven approach with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable recommendations

Communication & Technical Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting complex information to various audiences

• Experience in both public company and startup environments

• Background in compensation committee preparation and interaction

• Experience leading remote, globally distributed teams

Compensation

To view the full job description and its compensation calculator, view our handbook. The compensation calculator can be found towards the bottom of the page.

Additional details about our process can be found on our hiring page.

Remote-Global

The base salary range for this role’s listed level is currently for residents of listed locations only. Grade level and salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities of the applicant, equity with other team members, and alignment with market data. See more information on our benefits and equity. Sales roles are also eligible for incentive pay targeted at up to 100% of the offered base salary.

California/Colorado/Hawaii/New Jersey/New York/Washington/DC/Illinois/Minnesota pay range

$167,000—$313,000 USD