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Compensation Manager

AT First Western
First Western

Compensation Manager

Denver, CO

About First Western Trust.

First Western's mission is to be the best private bank for the western wealth management client. We believe that each of our clients shares our entrepreneurial spirit and values our sophisticated, high-touch wealth management services that are tailored to meet their specific needs. We provide a trusted adviser platform with an established approach to investment management through a branded network of boutique private trust bank offices located across Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming and California. 

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, we provide a fully integrated suite of wealth management services on a private trust bank platform, which includes a comprehensive selection of deposit, loan, trust, wealth planning and investment management products and services.

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You can find us trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MYFW."

Your Potential at First Western Trust

Are you looking for a career in compensation?  Do you enjoy solving problems and working through challenges?  Do you have a passion for analyzing financial data and providing value through recommendations?  Do you want to be part of a culture of growth? 

Great!  If you are ready to join a growing team within our Finance team, apply now!  We are looking for highly motivated, detail oriented, self-starters for a great career opportunity.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $100,000 annually, based on experience
Full Range: $80,000 - $110,000 annually
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Application Close Date: Open until filled

Job Responsibilities:

  • Conducts, compiles, and presents research, benchmark analysis and modeling to support design of market-competitive compensation programs that align with organizational values, goals and strategies and ensure organizational equity and competitiveness. Provides expertise and input on the design of creative solutions to specific compensation-related issues.
  • Manages the Company’s total compensation programs including base pay administration and short- and long-term incentive plans. Oversees the design and communication and payment of both short- and long-term incentive plans, to include benchmarking, program design, and gauging alignment to company objectives. Presents recommendations to senior leadership team.
  • Manages the job evaluation program, including the job evaluation process and pricing, job grades and salary ranges, job analysis and the preparation/maintenance of standardized job descriptions for the organization; develops and implements job titles in the HR system and partners with management to ensure job attributes are appropriately assigned
  • Participates in appropriate compensation and benefit surveys and benchmarking and monitors trends and new/innovative practices. Identifies trends and implements new practices to engage and motivate employees.
  • Provide analytics to support decisions in compensation and benefits.
  • Monitors the effectiveness of existing compensation programs, plans and practices, developing plan revisions and new plans that are cost effective and aligned with Company objectives; solicits and incorporates team recommendations into plan revisions
  • Own all commission programs- documentation, monthly tracking, ensuring approval for payment is obtained from managers. 
  • Maintain salary bands for all active roles in ADP and document in the First Western role based grid.
  • Work with finance to forecast and budget for compensation and benefits expenses.
  • Design and manage perquisite programs.
  • Work with Talent Management to provide coaching to managers and be involved in compensation negotiations.
  • Provide expertise in wage and hour regulations to ensure FLSA status is correctly identified for all roles
  • Work with Human Capital and Leadership Team to develop promotion and retention strategies for existing associates in regards to compensation and benefits.
  • Maintains and expands knowledge and understanding of existing and proposed federal and state laws/regulations affecting compensation and benefits administration.
  • Develops strategies for the effective communication of compensation plan programs to employees.
  • Prepares compensation materials for senior executives and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
  • Reviews annual compensation books and payout calculations prior to grant and payout.
  • Communicate with hiring managers and Human Capital to influence buy-in and decision making
  • Know and comply with all Company policies set forth on the Company’s Intranet;
  • Review Associate Handbook and Company Policies annually, as prescribed by Human Capital;
  • Complete and Comply with the Companies Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Questionnaire and Policy Acknowledgement;
  • Complete all assigned training on time.
  • Embrace and adhere to First Western’s Core Values
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Remote-work considered within Market. 


Required Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management or a related discipline - Required
  • 5-7 years  relevant experience designing and implementing compensation policies - Required
  • 1-3 years financial Industry experience - Preferred
  • Certified Compensation Professional or Certified Benefits Professional upon hire - Preferred
  • PHR/SPHR Preferred upon Hire - Preferred
  • Understanding of compensation management including previous experience with LTI and STI plan design and strategy development, equity analysis, and related employee communication programs and strategies.
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to effectively present to senior leaders and communicate complicated topics in an easily understood and digestible format.
  • Thorough knowledge and practical application of U.S. federal and state employment laws required.
  • Excellent understanding of job evaluation and job analysis systems and pay structure administration.
  • Strong Excel Skills, Experience with HRIS report writing a must
  • Strong Communicator (Verbal and Written), Organizational Skills, Problem Solving, Ethical, High Attention to Detail,
  • Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements related to employee benefit and compensation programs, strong understanding of legal requirements and drafting compensation plan agreements

Looking to take your career to the next level? First Western is not only offering a competitive salary to start and full health (dental, vision) benefits, but also the following:

- Strong Bonus Potential
- 401(k) Plan with Match
- Paid Parking/Transportation Benefits
- Access to Training & Professional Development Programs
- Sponsorship for Obtaining Professional Certifications
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Account
- Paid Time-Off + Bank Holidays

Ready to Apply? Please submit your resume and cover letter and answer the questions below. A member from our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch with you shortly should they determine your qualifications are fit for the role.

Interested in learning more and seeing how we connect? Visit us today at: https://myfw.com/careers/

First Western will accommodate applicants with disabilities who need help applying for a position.  Contact TalentManagement@myfw.com for assistance.


First Western Financial, Inc. is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our associates. Equal Opportunity Employer including disabilities / vets.

Client-provided location(s): Denver, CO, USA
Job ID: 4454695
Employment Type: Other