Head of Total Rewards

TL;DR

Head of Total Rewards (AI/Defense): Design, build, and lead enterprise-wide compensation and benefits strategy for a publicly traded government contractor with an accent on equity programs, federal compliance, and talent retention in competitive markets. Focus on developing data-driven compensation philosophy, managing executive pay and incentives, and ensuring pay equity across AI, engineering, and cleared roles.

Location: Hybrid in McLean, Virginia

Company

Leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, supply chain management, and digital identity. Public company traded on NYSE (BBAI), headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

What you will do

• Develop and execute holistic compensation philosophy, including market pricing, job architecture, salary structures, and incentive programs (STI, LTI, sales, equity).
• Design and oversee benefits programs for health, welfare, retirement, leave, and employee wellbeing.
• Support Compensation Committee on executive pay design, benchmarking, and disclosures.
• Build data-driven Total Rewards function with analytics for program effectiveness, pay equity, and annual review cycles.
• Lead Total Rewards team and partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and executives on strategy and M&A integrations.

Requirements

• 12+ years progressive Total Rewards experience, 4+ years senior leadership
• Deep expertise in compensation design, market pricing, incentives, and equity for publicly traded companies
• Experience in government contracting, defense tech, or intelligence community strongly preferred
• Knowledge of executive compensation, Boards/Committees, FAR/DFARS, SEC, FLSA regulations
• Proven data/analytics skills for decisions and pay equity
• Exceptional executive presence for C-suite and Board influence
• Bachelor's in HR, Business, Finance, or related

Nice to have

• Master's (MBA/MS HR) or certifications (CCP, CEBS)
• Total Rewards management through M&A integrations
• Experience in high-growth AI, SaaS, or defense tech

Culture & Benefits

• High-impact role in dynamic, high-growth environment at technology-defense intersection
• Strategic partnership with executive team and CHRO
• Focus on attracting/retaining AI, engineering, mission-critical talent
• Equal opportunity employer committed to protected groups, veterans, and disabilities