Senior Consultant (Houston/The Woodlands)
About the Senior Consultant Role
Join Meridian’s dynamic consulting team as a Senior Consultant, Executive Compensation. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping executive compensation strategies and governance practices across diverse industries. You’ll be at the forefront of collaborating with our Partners, Principals, and Consultants to provide research and advice to help boards of directors and senior executives navigate the complexities of executive compensation and corporate governance.
As a Senior Consultant, you’ll manage various client deliverables for Compensation Committee-level engagements such as peer group development, benchmarking and competitive data analysis, incentive design, goal-setting calibration, trends and developments, and other research related to executive compensation and corporate governance.
The successful candidate will have a dedicated client-facing role on multiple engagements. In addition to project management and execution, the successful candidate would be responsible for presenting key findings and analysis to senior members of management teams and board members.
As you grow in the role, business development and client management will increasingly become an expectation, with guidance and professional development working directly with experienced Partners and Principals. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, expand your network, and make a significant impact in the field of executive compensation and corporate governance.
What You’ll Do
- Review data and collaborate with internal and client teams, applying your consulting skills to provide insights and create comprehensive compensation strategies
- Embark on investigative journeys across industries, developing peer groups and executive and outside director pay benchmarking reports
- Review and design long-term incentives using knowledge of valuations, financial, and stock performance concepts
- Write effective and client-ready presentations and memos, presenting them comfortably in front of senior audiences
- Construct and contribute to RFP responses
- Participate in client meetings with management and Compensation Committee meetings to present deliverables
- Work independently while also collaborating in dynamic, agile client teams, contributing to a culture of excellence and mutual growth
- Juggle multiple client deliverables, always delivering consistent, high-quality work on time and within budget
- Stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to provide the most relevant and informed client advice
- Contribute meaningfully to the development of junior Consultants through mentorship and training
Who You Are
Expertise:
- Possess deep expertise in executive and outside director pay benchmarking, peer group development, program design, equity utilization analysis, and familiarity with external stakeholders (regulators, proxy advisors, and institutional shareholders)
- Demonstrate knowledge in total rewards philosophy and strategy, compensation structure design, long-term incentive design and valuations, executive compensation issues and trends, and financial analysis
- Proficient in understanding disclosure requirements (e.g., proxy statements and CD&A section specifically), ISS and Glass Lewis policies, accounting and taxation of executive pay, general severance and change-in-control severance, and other relevant governance issues (e.g., stock ownership guidelines, recoupment policies)
Skills and Abilities:
- Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with effective and persuasive writing abilities
- Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with clients and team members
- Develop client-ready presentations and confidently present to clients and senior audiences
- Experience contributing meaningfully to the preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP) responses
- Build, develop, and own client relationships, especially in meetings with management contacts
- Proficient knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; knowledge of Capital IQ
Work Style and Attributes:
- Work independently and collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients
- Deliver consistent, high-quality work product, on time and within budget
- Manage multiple critical clients and deliverables simultaneously
- Demonstrate interest in leading the professional development of other consultants
- Possess an entrepreneurial mindset to help grow and elevate our Partner-owned firm
- Willing to travel occasionally
Education and Experience
- An undergraduate degree, preferably with concentration in finance, accounting, business, or economics
- 4-6 years+ of compensation or executive compensation experience in either a consulting capacity or similar corporate experience; experience in a top-tier law firm, strategy or management consulting firm, HR consulting firm, or risk management firm
- An MBA, CFA, CPA, JD, or related advanced degree is a plus
Why Meridian?
At Meridian, we are committed to excellence, collaboration, and innovation. As a Senior Consultant, you will make a lasting impact on our clients and the industry while working with a supportive team dedicated to your professional growth. We offer comprehensive learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and a clear path for career advancement.
We prioritize work-life balance and support our employees’ well-being through flexible work arrangements and wellness initiatives. As a thought leader in executive compensation, you will have the opportunity to showcase your expertise, contribute to industry research, publications, and events, and help shape the future of the field.
Meridian is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work, supported by our ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
About Meridian Compensation Partners
Meridian, a premier independent executive compensation consulting firm, has been setting the benchmark since 2010. With a strong presence across twelve North American offices and nearly a hundred working consultants, we serve hundreds of influential international and North American companies. Regularly named a “Best Small Firm to Work For” by Consulting Magazine, our expertise is trusted by boards and senior executives seeking counsel on executive compensation, incentive design, disclosure, and governance. In Canada, Meridian works with some of the largest companies in the TSX Composite. In the U.S., Meridian has the largest market share among companies in the Fortune 250.
As trusted advisors and strategic partners, we deliver forward-thinking solutions and actionable insights. Joining Meridian means being part of a firm that values your unique perspective and is committed to guiding companies through the evolving business landscape with integrity and foresight.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Meridian is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions at Meridian are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are dedicated to providing a workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
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