Category-defining tech. Career-defining work.

Lots of tech companies disrupt. But, many fail when they try to scale. We're different. CockroachDB makes it easier for companies to build and scale apps. This is how and why we're helping some of the most innovative companies on the planet. We tackle problems head-on and focus on solutions that create lasting impact. 

Because when our customers win, we all win. 

The Role

The Vice President of Total Rewards and Operations is a global senior leadership role responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that ensures Cockroach Labs remains a competitive, equitable, and efficient employer. This role oversees all aspects of compensation, benefits, HR technology, people analytics, compliance, and payroll. It requires deep partnership with People, Finance, Legal, and Engineering stakeholders to drive strategic and operational excellence. Success in this role is measured by the delivery of a forward-looking total rewards strategy, underpinned by insightful analytics, scalable systems, and strong governance.

You Will

• Build and lead the Total Rewards and People Operations functions, encompassing Compensation & Equity, Benefits & Wellness, HR Technology, People Analytics, Compliance, and Payroll.
• Develop and execute a global total rewards strategy that includes compensation, equity, and benefits, ensuring alignment with company goals, SEC compliance, and talent retention.
• Partner with the CPO and Finance to develop Compensation Committee materials and provide strategic recommendations on executive compensation and equity programs.
• Oversee global payroll operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and scalability for a rapidly growing workforce.
• Lead HR compliance efforts, aligning with global labor laws and partnering with internal risk and compliance teams to ensure proper controls and role clarity.
• Direct the HRIS and People Analytics functions, using data to optimize workforce planning, compensation strategies, and operational efficiency.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts across compensation, benefits, and HR systems, ensuring cost effectiveness and service quality.
• Leverage AI-driven tools and analytics to enhance total rewards strategy, employee experience, and organizational efficiency.
• Mentor and scale a high-performing team with a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability

The Expectations

In your first 30 days, you will gain understanding by conducting a comprehensive review of compensation structures, benefits offerings, HR systems, payroll processes, and compliance frameworks at Cockroach Labs. You will meet with key stakeholders across the People, Finance, and Legal teams to align on immediate priorities and long-term strategic goals. Additionally, you will assess current market positioning for compensation and benefits to ensure Cockroach Labs remains competitive as it scales. Establishing strong relationships with internal partners and gaining a deep understanding of company culture, business objectives, and global expansion plans will be critical in shaping your strategy.

By day 60, you will begin implementing foundational improvements in compensation, benefits, and HR technology. You will refine Cockroach Labs’ total rewards philosophy, ensuring alignment with business growth and industry benchmarks, while also evaluating opportunities to optimize pay equity and incentive structures. Simultaneously, you will assess compliance risks and implement necessary frameworks to ensure regulatory alignment across multiple geographies. During this phase, you will also outline a roadmap for HR technology enhancements, ensuring systems are scalable, integrated, and capable of supporting an expanding workforce.

By day 90, your focus will shift toward executing long-term initiatives that drive scalability and efficiency. You will formalize and roll out a comprehensive global compensation structure, standardizing salary bands, equity guidelines, and incentive programs across regions. In collaboration with internal partners, you will refine and launch a global benefits strategy, ensuring market competitiveness while maintaining cost-effectiveness. As you establish your team and refine operations, success will be measured by the seamless execution of Total Rewards programs, increased employee engagement, and a scalable HR infrastructure that supports Cockroach Labs’ rapid expansion.

You Have

• 10+ years of experience leading Total Rewards in a global, high-growth technology or SaaS company; public company and IPO experience preferred.
• Deep expertise in compensation strategy, including market positioning, incentive design, equity, and executive compensation.
• Proven ability to scale global teams and programs with strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Hands-on experience in HRIS implementation, automation, and analytics, with a data-driven mindset.
• Expertise in payroll operations and regulatory compliance across global markets.
• Strong financial acumen with experience analyzing compensation data and preparing materials for executive stakeholders and Compensation Committees.
• Ability to influence executive leadership and Boards with clarity and confidence.
• Proven ability to think strategically and execute tactically, balancing big-picture vision with operational detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with AI-driven HR tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Human Resources, or a related field required.

The Team

Lindsay Grenawalt - Chief People Officer

Lindsay focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining the best possible talent for Cockroach Labs. She was first exposed to the world of startups at Google Ventures then moving to Yext as the VP of People Operations, where she was responsible for growing the company from 150 to over 400 employees across the United States, the Netherlands, and the UK. When she is not at work, you can find her exploring the culinary delights of New York and attempting to recreate them at home.

Cockroach Labs is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please email us at accessibility@cockroachlabs.com.

Cockroach Labs has a hybrid work model, with Roachers that are local to one of our offices coming in on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and working flexibly the rest of the week. While we’ve learned valuable lessons working remotely, nothing can replace the connection, creativity, and fun that occurs when Roachers get together and we are committed to fostering a workplace that encourages collaboration and allows us all to do our best work.

Benefits

• Stock Options
• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional Development Funds
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Days
• Paid Parental Leave
• Retirement Benefits
• Mental Wellbeing Benefits
• And more!