Philosophy, Data and Structure; A Simple Guide to Executive Compensation


Executive compensation is at the top of your list of considerations when your company is recruiting. Hiring the most talented and aligned person for the job and retaining them—a simply stated goal that is far from simple. Compensation is a major piece of the recruiting puzzle. 

 

You want to position the role competitively vis a vis other companies to make sure you don’t lose your ideal candidate to someone else. To ensure a successful search, you’ll focus on three priorities:

  1. Having a clear compensation philosophy
  2. Evaluating all compensation data
  3. Proactively setting compensation boundaries and planning

 

Compensation Philosophy

Your compensation philosophy will be your north star, keeping you on track to your goal. There are numerous considerations—not everyone’s viewpoint is the same. Different businesses focus on a range of factors when establishing their philosophy. For example, does your organization believe that compensation drives performance or that performance must drive compensation? Does your organization place more value on best in class medical and retirement benefits? Those and many other theoretical positions will inform your compensation philosophy. 

 

There are many considerations as you establish a compensation philosophy. Questions to ponder are whether it’s important to: 

  • Align pay with your business’s annual and long-term performance goals
  • Ensure your compensation program is justifiable and equitable in a competitive market
  • Reward achievement, such as accomplishing specific objectives
  • Consider how you’ll balance base salary with short- and long-term incentives
  • Incorporate DEI values in your compensation scheme
  • Maintain internal equity across similar levels in different functions
  • Be a market leader, in the middle or follower with compensation for employees as compared to the competition

 

Once you come up with a compensation philosophy that will drive your recruitment and hiring, stay true to it.

 

Compensation Data

There are two basic ways to access current data about compensation within your field and in your part of the country. One is based on surveys and the other is real time data.

 

Surveys

Many companies will hire a consultant to conduct a compensation survey, looking at other companies in your industry that are commensurate in size and (if it’s important) operating in your geographic region. But those parameters can be misleading.

 

Consider whether you want to recruit from a different industry, believing that such an expanded search might bring in a skill set that will benefit you. You may be looking at companies that are larger and wealthier than yours, with the idea that the knowledge and experience of such a hire from one of those organizations will get your company to that next level. Most survey companies do not look at their targets through those lenses.

 

Surveys also cannot screen for businesses with a similar compensation philosophy. That information is rarely discoverable in public records for privately held companies, and we know that staying true to a philosophy is fundamental to a successful search.

 

A survey is definitely a piece of the picture, but probably the most notable issue with executive compensation comparison surveys is that there is a discrepancy between the actual market reality and the timing of the information they can gather. In some cases, by the time the survey is complete, the data could be antiquated for a variety of circumstance

 

Most executive compensation packages rely heavily on long-term incentive plans, but surveys mostly access information about base salary and bonuses. It is having a stake in the company that will drive executive wealth and spur the best candidates to join you, but except for publicly traded companies, information about equity is not disclosed. So how do you get accurate intel about what you’ll need to offer your recruits to get them to say yes?

 

Real-Time Data

The best way to get the inside scoop on executive compensation packages—including equity—is to work with someone who is close to the candidates - a search firm. Recruitment firms have a line on accurate, real-time information because they talk to candidates day in and day out, and though there are rules guiding what recruiters can ask, there is no rule about what a candidate can offer. It turns out, they tend to share this kind of information with recruiters.

 

If you want to have as much information as possible about what compensation looks like among the people you hope to recruit, combining survey data with the support of an executive recruitment firm should provide you a more accurate picture of the market.

 

Proactively Setting Compensation Boundaries and Planning

Once you have your compensation philosophy and the data you need to plan a winning compensation structure, be ready to make an offer. That means get pre-approval from your CEO, board, or whoever needs to sign off on compensation. And get it well in advance.

 

If your company uses a grading/leveling system to set compensation for each position, and the grade-range is out of line with what you know you’ll need in your recruitment, either adjust the candidate profile or use data to justify re-grading the position.

 

If your company is not yet able to offer equity, there are other ways to mirror that upside without an equity plan. If your targeted bonus range is lower than the market, perhaps adjusting the salary range can be the solution. to let you compete with bigger companies vying for the same candidate.

 

One of the most frustrating outcomes is to go through the entire recruitment process identifying the ideal candidate for the job—but there’s a gap in their compensation needs and what you have approved. If at this point you attempt to get approval to increase the compensation ranges, you’ll lose time, and all too often, you’ll lose the candidate as well. Once you have the candidate you want, you need to make a competitive offer fast. Good planning, understanding what you might be up against, and proactively addressing the issues before you conduct a search – make extending fast offer possible.

 

Pre-approvals are also important to consider based on the timing of conducting searches. If you are recruiting towards the end of the fiscal year, your best candidates may be a few weeks or months away from a sizeable annual bonus. You can either hire them with a delayed start date, having them sign a contract that begins after their bonus is earned and delivered, or, if time is of the essence, you can buy out the bonus they’ll be giving up with a commensurate sign-on bonus. Once you know who you want, use your compensation budget and flexibility to seal the deal.

 

Executive Compensation Can Move the Needle on Recruiting

The talent you are looking for is out there. Even if they are not knocking at your door, they are reachable—and hirable. 

 

According to a survey conducted by Experteer, 97% of sitting C-suite executives are very open to being head-hunted for relevant vacancies even if they are not actively looking. A discreet approach (the expertise of recruitment firms) often yields terrific candidates, but having something special to offer is going to be key. That includes a tempting position in an exciting, change-making, or up-and-coming company and a competitive executive compensation package to get it across the goal line.

                             

Understanding your compensation philosophy and sticking to it, leveraging real time market data to see the whole picture, and being ready and flexible with proactive planning, will put you and your organization in a better position to hire a quality leader who can take your business to the next level.


By Effie Zimmerman August 13, 2026
Chief Operations Officer ABOUT THE COMPANY STUDSON is a fast-growing safety technology company based in Sherwood, Oregon, redefining industrial head protection. Founded in 2019, the company designs premium Type II safety helmets that incorporate advanced impact protection technology commonly found in sports helmets, helping construction and industrial workers get home safely every day. Driven by innovation and a strong mission, STUDSON is challenging a century of conventional hard hat design and is quickly becoming a recognized leader in the industrial safety market. ABOUT THE ROLE STUDSON is transforming industrial head protection through innovative technology, premium product design, and an uncompromising commitment to worker safety. Having established a strong market position and a solid operational foundation, the company is entering its next phase of growth. To support that growth, STUDSON is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to build the organizational operating system that will enable the business to scale while preserving the speed, innovation, and entrepreneurial culture that define the company today. Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the COO will be responsible for translating strategy into disciplined execution across the organization. While overseeing the company's operational functions—including supply chain, sourcing, planning, customer success, and quality —the primary mandate is broader: to create alignment, accountability, and repeatable processes that allow the organization to execute consistently as it grows. This executive will partner closely with every functional leader to improve cross-functional collaboration, strengthen decision-making, and establish operational processes that allow the business to move faster with greater clarity. Success will not be measured by maintaining operations, but by building an organization capable of scaling efficiently while delivering exceptional customer and financial outcomes. The ideal candidate is an experienced operator who has helped high-growth companies evolve from entrepreneurial organizations into disciplined, process-driven businesses without sacrificing agility or innovation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Operating Excellence Partner with the CEO to translate strategic priorities into company-wide execution plans. Design and implement a scalable business operating system that establishes standard work, management routines, visual performance management, and continuous improvement practices across the organization. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, equipping leaders with practical problem-solving methodologies that eliminate waste, improve execution, and increase organizational agility. Lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives that simplify workflows, reduce complexity, and improve quality, speed, and customer outcomes. Build management processes that improve alignment, accountability, communication, and execution across all functions. Develop an organization capable of scaling efficiently without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Process Improvement & Business Scalability Lead the continuous evolution of business processes across the organization, leveraging existing technology platforms to improve execution rather than adding complexity. Standardize workflows where appropriate while preserving flexibility and entrepreneurial speed. Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions that improve throughput, responsiveness, and organizational effectiveness. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, disciplined execution, and data-informed decision-making. Supply Chain & Operational Performance Lead the end-to-end supply chain, including procurement, manufacturing partners, inventory planning, logistics, fulfillment, and customer success. Ensure operational capabilities support both current growth and future product expansion. Strengthen forecasting, inventory management, and S&OP disciplines to improve service levels while optimizing working capital. Build resilient supplier relationships and continuously improve quality, delivery, and cost performance. Cross-Functional Execution Partner with Product Development to ensure successful commercialization of new products. Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to improve demand planning, product availability, and customer responsiveness. Work closely with Finance to improve forecasting accuracy, margin performance, and operational planning. Support Human Resources in developing organizational capability, leadership effectiveness, and performance management. Business Performance Develop meaningful KPI’s and operational scorecards that provide visibility into company performance. Improve operational efficiency, gross margin, inventory productivity, customer satisfaction, and organizational responsiveness. Balance growth, profitability, and operational risk while maintaining STUDSON's commitment to quality and customer experience. People & Culture Build and develop a high-performing operational team grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Create clarity around expectations, priorities, and decision rights throughout the organization. Help preserve STUDSON's entrepreneurial culture while introducing the operational discipline required for continued growth. IDEAL CANDIDATE Fifteen or more years of progressive leadership experience in operations, supply chain, or general management within a high-growth manufacturing organization. Demonstrated experience implementing or leading a business operating system such as Lean, the Toyota Production System, or a comparable continuous improvement framework that improved organizational performance and scalability. Strong understanding of operational excellence principles, including process mapping, root cause analysis, visual management, standard work, and KPI-driven performance management. Proven ability to build continuous improvement capabilities within leadership teams by coaching managers to solve problems systematically and sustain operational gains. Experience leading cross-functional business transformation rather than simply managing functional operations. Strong understanding of supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing, inventory planning, and customer operations. Proven ability to leverage an ERP and business systems to improve execution, reporting, and decision-making. Strong financial acumen with experience improving margins, working capital, and operational performance. Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence across functions and levels. Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial, founder-led environment where adaptability, humility, and hands-on leadership are essential. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by STUDSON to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley / 503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman August 7, 2026
Director, Operations and Supply Chain ABOUT THE COMPANY Warn Automotive (Warn Auto) is a world leader in driveline disconnect technology. Their heritage comes from making WWII surplus Jeeps easier to drive on the road with the first unlocking hubs. They continue today by making disconnects for cars, trucks, and SUVs around the world. These trusted technologies come from years of innovation and listening to customer needs. Warn Auto designs, tests, and manufactures best-in-class products and solutions focusing on our customers’ productivity, efficiency, and profitability. To do that, their teams collaborate worldwide to share knowledge, research, and resources, which have kept them strong and stable since 1925. Warn Auto is a Vehicle Service Group (VSG) company that is part of Dover Corporation ’s Engineered Products segment and is the holding company for some of the most trusted names in the vehicle service industry. ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Operations & Supply Chain is responsible for leading all manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain functions for the Warn Auto business. This role drives operational performance, profitability, quality, and on-time delivery while fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and employee development. Working closely with Dover and Vehicle Service Group leadership, the incumbent develops and executes operational strategies, leverages enterprise resources, and aligns teams, metrics, and processes to achieve business objectives and support long-term growth. KEY Responsibilities Oversee and direct overall production, including efficient use of equipment, materials, and personnel required to produce Tier 1 automotive products. As well as ensuring outgoing quality, safety, and compliance with customer, state, and federal regulations. Direct team of planning, purchasing, and shipping/ receiving personnel to stated strategy, goals, and objectives set forth by the organization. Ensure team is engaged and collaborating across all responsibilities. Including production planning, inventory control, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, and product shipping. Develops and implements policies and procedures, formulating manufacturing operations strategies, building and mentoring manufacturing employees, and driving business results. This includes ensuring quality equipment, materials and production standards, overseeing and maintaining manufacturing budgets and staffing to manufacture quality products that meet customer expectations in the most cost-effective manner. Partners with the executive team in developing business strategy and operating plans. Including leading the creation and implementation of tactical plans to achieve Strategy. Extending to production team leaders and team members through communications tactics, goal alignment, and performance management. Partners with key stakeholders to ensure Continuous Improvement and provide visible support and leadership for Lean initiatives. Drive continuous improvement projects such as lean, 5S, and visualization throughout the Warn Auto operations organization. Review and develop a strategic supply base in collaboration with quality, engineering functions, and the Dover Asia Pacific Office. Drive customer requirements and automotive standards to all suppliers with a focus on clarity and understanding. Including negotiation, review, and management of contracts for all procured goods, services, and capital equipment globally. Develop plans and lead critical supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and terms aligned to strategic goals, automotive requirements, and customer expectations. Including assignment of resources (Dover Sourcing, VSG, APO, 3rd party, and Warn Auto Team) and clear guidance to ensure comprehensive negotiation targets are met across the entire supply base. Develop strategic direction, objectives, tactics, and supporting budgets, justification, and resource plans to ensure corporate growth and financial objectives are met. Includes collaboration with Warn Auto leadership team, VSG Leadership team, and Dover Corporate functions. Partner with sales, marketing, production, finance, and operations to align forecasts, production plans, and business priorities. CANDIDATE PROFILE A bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited college or university is required. MBA is strongly preferred. Minimum ten years of operations and supply chain leadership experience in a manufacturing environment. High-volume critical operations such as aerospace and automotive are preferred. Rapid growth and transformation experience preferred. Effective at communicating, verbally and in writing, with all levels of stakeholders and coworkers Highly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Warn Automotive to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman August 3, 2026
General Manager, Northern California & Nevada Region ABOUT THE COMPANY With roots dating back to 1938, The Papé Group is the West’s leading supplier of capital equipment solutions. Today, Papé operates across nine states with over 4,000 team members, proudly representing premier brands including John Deere, Kenworth, Hyster, Ditch Witch, and more. What sets Papé apart is its commitment to long-term relationships, both with customers and employees. As a fourth-generation, family-led business, Papé believes in the value of a handshake, the importance of service, and the impact of leadership that stays close to the work. Papé Kenworth is one of the largest Kenworth truck dealers in the Western United States, providing sales, leasing, rental, parts, and service for medium and heavy-duty trucks. Founded in 2007 as part of Papé Group, the division supports commercial fleets and owner-operators with a commitment to maximizing uptime through exceptional customer service, expert technicians, and a network of locations across the West. ABOUT THE POSITION Reporting to the President of the Papé Kenworth business, the General Manager (GM) will be responsible for driving performance, growth, and operational excellence across the Papé Kenworth & Papé Truck Leasing branches in Northern, CA & Nevada. This includes branches in San Leandro, CA, Morgan Hill, CA, Sacramento, CA, and Sparks, NV. This role demands a strategic mindset, operational oversight, and a strong leadership presence to guide branch teams in delivering outstanding service, sales, and profitability. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead and manage the operations of multiple branches, aligning each with company objectives and performance standards. Develop and implement regional sales strategies, forecast performance, and set measurable business goals. Oversee branch budgets, control operating costs, and ensure long-term profitability of the region. Monitor market share trends, competitor activity, and local market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge. Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring exceptional service and support across all departments. Champion a high-performance culture focused on results, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Lead, manage, develop, train, and build leadership and branch teams. Regularly visit branches in the region to ensure operational excellence and to provide leadership and management to managers and team members. All of your efforts are geared towards providing exceptional service to our customers and being the leading Class 8 on-highway, vocational, and Class 6-7 medium-duty truck dealer in the area. If you are a great leader, results-driven, and are looking to make a difference, consider joining Papé today. CANDIDATE PROFILE The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of successful management experience in capital goods or dealership environments. Key strengths include: Strong background in sales, marketing, budgeting, and personnel leadership. Demonstrated experience in developing teams, setting performance goals, and achieving sales targets. Must reside within, or be willing to relocate, to the assigned regional area. Experience developing and executing regional sales strategies that consistently exceed revenue and profitability targets. Experience leading cross-functional teams with preference for leading sales, service, parts, and leasing. Preferred Bachelor’s degree is preferred, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible industry experience. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in heavy equipment, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, or other related capital equipment industry. Minimum of 5 years in leadership roles. Interested in Learning More? 180one is an executive search firm and is assisting Papé Group in this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .
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