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Executive Director, Compensation

CME Group
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 10/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/12/2026
Position Summary

CME Group is seeking an experienced Executive Director, Compensation to lead our global compensation function, driving the strategy, design, governance and execution of our base pay, annual bonus, and equity programs for our global workforce. This role serves as the senior-most compensation partner to leadership and HR and oversees a competitive, performance-based rewards framework that attracts, retains and motivates top talent, while managing a team of compensation professionals.

Key Responsibilities

  • Compensation Strategy: Designs and implements competitive pay strategies aligned with organizational goals, drives a pay-for-performance culture and fosters an engaged and productive global workforce.
  • Program Management: Directs the administration of the company’s compensation programs, policies and processes. Leads the execution of base pay, bonus and equity award planning across the organization. Oversees the promotion process and job evaluation framework. Develops and executes communication strategies that enhance employees’ understanding of and appreciation for compensation programs and pay decisions.
  • Business Partnership: Provides thought leadership and counsels management on pay practices and decisions that incorporate company philosophies. Provides expert guidance on executive compensation matters. Serves as an advisor to leadership, managers, HR business partners and recruiters. Communicates with candidates as necessary.
  • Team Management: Provides effective management, leadership and mentorship to compensation team members. Manages third party vendors/consultants/data providers.
  • Market Intelligence & Analytics: Translates data and insights into clear, actionable recommendations. Researches issues, analyzes market trends, develops cost models, prepares materials and presents to leadership.
  • Governance & Compliance: Manages the support for and liaises with the Compensation Committee of the Board in the fulfillment of their duties. Manages the production of the executive compensation disclosure in the proxy statement as well as other HR-related public disclosures. Ensures compliance with country- and entity-specific regulatory requirements and alignment with best practices. Partners with Legal, Compliance, Tax, Payroll, Accounting and other internal functions as necessary.

Qualifications

  • Experience: 10 years of progressive compensation experience in a global organization, including executive compensation experience at a U.S. public company. 5 years of experience managing a compensation function / team. Financial services, fin tech or technology industry experience is strongly preferred. Prior experience with M&A due diligence and integration for the compensation function is a plus.
  • Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in compensation analytics (Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel). Experience with market pricing software (Payfactors), HRMS (Workday) and compensation planning software (Peoplefluent).
  • Strategic Advisory: Strong communication and influencing skills required. Proven track record of consulting with leadership to solve complex compensation challenges. Experience interfacing with members of the Board of Directors preferred.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree.

CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long-term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $195,400-$325,600. Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad-based equity program. Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.

CME Group: Where Futures are Made

CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it – all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we’re looking for more.

At CME Group, we embrace our employees' unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal-opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.

Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process. Learn more here.

Salary : $195,400 - $325,600

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