Manager, Compensation & HR Operations

Who we are

Founded in 2001, Vivid Seats (NASDAQ: SEAT) is a leading online ticket marketplace committed to becoming the ultimate partner for connecting fans to the live events, artists, and teams they love. We believe in the power of experiences and are fiercely dedicated to building products that inspire human connections. Named as one of Built In’s top places to work in 2025, we believe that our People are our greatest competitive advantage.

We have built a culture that empowers employees to embrace challenges, encourage unity through collaboration, and constantly evolve by leveraging data and inspiring innovation.

Manager, Compensation & HR Operations is a hands‑on leader responsible for executing and supporting the company’s compensation, benefits, and HRIS programs. This role partners closely with HR leadership, Finance, and business leaders to ensure pay and benefits decisions are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned to business priorities.

• Own day‑to‑day compensation administration, including maintaining compensation data to help provide guidance for promotions, offers, and role changes.
• Support and execute annual merit, bonus, and incentive planning cycles in partnership with HR leadership and Finance.
• Maintain compensation frameworks, pay bands, leveling, and pay transparency documentation.
• Conduct market pricing, benchmarking, and Radford survey submission to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices.
• Administer company benefits programs and 401(k), including vendor and broker management.
• Manage ownership of the HRIS (Workday), ensuring accurate data, effective workflows, and reliable reporting.
• Manage HRIS processes tied to compensation, benefits, promotions, and employee lifecycle events.
• Lead a team of 4 in the HR Operations and Employee Experience functions, which includes overseeing facilities and engagement activities.
• Partner cross‑functionally to improve people processes, reduce friction, and support business priorities.

• Acclimate to Vivid Seats’ values and organizational goals to understand how the department drives initiatives forward.
• Build relationships with HR, Finance, Payroll, and key business partners while learning the business and culture.
• Gain fluency in compensation programs, benefits offerings, and HRIS workflows; ensure day‑to‑day operations run smoothly.
• Identify early risks, gaps, and quick‑win opportunities and align on priorities with HR leadership.

• Empower and coach team members to achieve personal and functional goals that correlate to department objectives.
• Develop and lead initiatives for the team that enhance process, drive innovation, and build on Vivid Seats values.
• Independently manage compensation and benefits execution.
• Fully own HRIS (Workday) workflows and reporting related to compensation, benefits, and employee lifecycle events.

• Monitor and evolve team deliverables, individual goals, and overall performance to ensure alignment with broader initiatives of the department and the organization while coaching the team to grow skill sets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to confirm accurate prioritization and refine processes for collaboration and best practices.
• Meaningfully contribute to department roadmap exercises that balance current needs with future strategic initiatives.
• Operate as a trusted advisor on compensation and benefits decisions, proactively flagging risks and opportunities.

• 6–9 years of experience in Compensation, Benefits, Total Rewards, or People Operations.
• Strong hands‑on experience with compensation administration and market pricing.
• Experience managing benefits and retirement programs.
• Experience owning or heavily supporting HRIS systems, preferably Workday.
• Prior people management experience or strong readiness to lead others.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Full‑time offers from Vivid Seats include annual bonus incentives and equity for all employees; FLEX PTO; mental health days; medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(K) matching; monthly credits and discounts for attending live events; and a variety of additional workplace perks. The typical starting salary within the full salary range for this position can range. Factors which may affect starting salary include geographic market, relevant skills/experience, education, and other qualifications.

Full Salary Range: $130,000 – $160,000 USD.

Chicago, IL – We believe in a hybrid working model that provides employees the flexibility to take advantage of in‑person and remote collaboration.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values the critical importance of a diverse workforce and sense of belonging. Many of our roles have flexible requirements and we encourage you to apply regardless of whether you meet every qualification.