A Handler Case Study: Senior Director, Compensation
The Opportunity
Handler was engaged by a Fortune 200 organization seeking a Senior Director, Compensation to replace an existing role and further strengthen its leadership team.
This critical hire would be responsible for designing and leading the organization’s total rewards strategy, ensuring programs were competitive, equitable, and aligned with business objectives. The role required both strategic vision and hands-on execution, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior executives and HR leaders to drive performance, engagement, and retention.
Our Approach
From the outset, this engagement was more than a search; it was a true partnership.
Handler worked closely with the hiring team to craft a clear, well-aligned job profile that articulated not only the role’s responsibilities but also the organization’s cultural priorities and leadership expectations. This upfront alignment ensured strong market positioning and meaningful candidate engagement from the very beginning.
The Internal Launch
We moved with speed and intention.
Our Managing Partner assembled a focused internal team tailored to the unique needs of this search. Leveraging Handler’s proven Quick Start methodology, we officially launched the search within two business days of the kickoff meeting, creating early momentum and immediate market presence.
The Execution
Our search strategy began with a concentrated focus on the Atlanta market, followed by a national expansion to ensure comprehensive coverage.
By activating the Handler Community, we engaged high-caliber talent through confidential referrals and targeted outreach. Weekly strategy calls with the client provided transparency, alignment, and real-time insight as we introduced experienced, impact-driven compensation leaders.
The Result
Handler successfully placed a seasoned compensation executive with a deep understanding of the role and a proven track record of driving results, strengthening the organization’s total rewards function and positioning the team for long-term success.
Search Statistics
- Length of Search: 50 business days
- Time to Placement Identified: 36 business days
- Total Candidates in Pipeline: 260
