Principal (Executive Compensation Consultant)

About the Principal Consultant Role

Join Meridian’s dynamic consulting team as a Principal Consultant, Executive Compensation with a focus on supporting and expanding our presence in the Dallas market.

This role is designed for an experienced executive compensation advisor who is capable of independently leading board-level client engagements and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives and Compensation Committees from day one.

You will collaborate directly with our Partners, other Principals, and Consultants to provide strategic advice that helps boards of directors and senior management teams navigate the complexities of executive compensation and corporate governance.

The successful candidate will assume primary responsibility for managing and leading client relationships, developing solutions to complex compensation challenges, and independently leading advisory conversations, Compensation Committee meetings, and executive-level discussions with limited Partner oversight.

In addition to client leadership responsibilities, this role will actively support Meridian’s growth in the Dallas market through participation in business development initiatives and by leveraging existing professional relationships.

What You’ll Do

• Independently lead Compensation Committee-level engagements, including:
• -Pay philosophy development
• -Peer group development
• -Executive and outside director benchmarking
• -Incentive plan design and goal-setting calibration
• -Long-term incentive design and valuation
• -Governance policy review (e.g., stock ownership guidelines, clawbacks)
• Serve as primary client contact and relationship lead for assigned engagements
• Develop strategic recommendations and deliver client-ready reports for senior management teams and boards of directors
• Lead Compensation Committee and executive management meetings
• Provide credible, commercially grounded advisory guidance to clients on complex executive compensation and governance issues
• Manage multiple critical client engagements simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work product
• Participate in and lead RFP development and delivery
• Contribute to revenue generation through relationship development and business development activities
• Leverage personal and Firm networks to support growth in the Dallas market
• Stay current with industry trends, regulations, disclosure requirements, and proxy advisor policies to provide informed and forward-looking client advice
• Contribute meaningfully to the development of junior Consultants through mentorship and training

Who You Are

Expertise:

• 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)
• Strong knowledge of total rewards philosophy and strategy, compensation structure design, long-term incentive design and valuations, executive compensation issues and trends, and financial analysis
• Proficiency in 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:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with effective and persuasive writing abilities
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently address senior audiences and boards
• Ability to develop client-ready materials with precision and strategic clarity
• Experience contributing meaningfully to RFP development and delivery
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage client relationships
• Proficient knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Capital IQ and other financial research tools preferred

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
• 10 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 Principal 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 meaningful responsibility, mentorship, and a clear path for career advancement within a Partner-owned firm. You will have the opportunity to contribute to thought leadership, industry research, and client development initiatives while maintaining a culture that values accountability, collaboration, and professional integrity.

Meridian is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and contribute to a culture we are proud to build together.

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.

Pay: $200,000.00 - $300,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Dependent care reimbursement
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Describe a situation where you advised senior leadership or a board on a complex executive compensation issue. What was your role and impact?

Experience:

• executive compensation: 10 years (Required)
• advising Compensation Committees or Boards: 5 years (Required)
• leading executive compensation engagements: 5 years (Required)
• executive incentive plan design (STIP/LTIP): 5 years (Required)

Location:

• Dallas, TX 75219 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Dallas, TX 75219: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dallas, TX 75219

Salary : $200,000 - $300,000