Total Rewards Director

SUMMARY

About Ketjen
Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

About the Role
Ketjen is seeking an experienced and strategic Total Rewards Director to join our Human Resources leadership team. Based in Houston, Texas at our Clear Lake office and reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this critical role will provide global leadership and oversight of the company’s Compensation and Benefits programs. The Total Rewards Director will partner with HR and business leaders across all regions to design, implement, and manage innovative total rewards strategies that attract, motivate, and retain top talent while ensuring competitive positioning and compliance with all local and international regulations. Occasional international travel may be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Compensation Strategy & Program Management

• Develop, implement, and manage Ketjen’s global compensation strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market competitiveness.
• Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of base salary, incentive, and executive compensation programs worldwide.
• Lead and manage complex compensation projects, including annual salary reviews, market benchmarking, job evaluations, and program harmonization initiatives.

Benefits Strategy & Administration

• Oversee the global benefits portfolio, including health, wellness, retirement, and other employee programs, ensuring offerings are competitive and cost-effective.
• Lead initiatives to automate benefit workflows, streamline vendor integrations, and expand employee self-service capabilities while improving user experience across global populations.

Governance, Compliance & Policy

• Develop and maintain governance, policies, and procedures for all compensation and benefits programs.
• Monitor international compensation and benefits trends, legislative changes, and best practices to ensure Ketjen’s programs remain compliant and support our diverse employee population.

Stakeholder Partnership & Communication

• Partner with HR Business Partners and regional leaders to ensure the effective communication and administration of total rewards programs in all locations.
• Prepare executive-level analyses, presentations, and recommendations for the CHRO and senior leadership.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global Total Rewards team.

Vendor & External Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, and consultants.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a global managerial role.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field
• Strong knowledge of global compensation structures, job architecture, benefits plans, and regulatory environments.
• Experience designing and managing executive and incentive compensation programs.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience presenting to senior leadership and influence at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead and develop diverse, geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong alignment with Ketjen’s core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in chemicals manufacturing or similar sector
• Experience with global consulting firms specializing in total rewards
• MBA or masters in HR or related field
• Maintain a professional certification such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) and/or Certified Compensation Professional (CCP).