Total Rewards Lead, EMEA

We are looking for a Total Rewards Leader, EMEA who is obsessed with driving effective Total Rewards strategy and meaningful recognition action for our people. No day is the same and the ideal fit is someone who thrives in a dynamic organization where we move fast and drive a solution orientated, growth mindset at all times. In this role, you will lead the EMEA Compensation and Benefits teams strategy across the region.
You will be all about the details, best practices, knowing what good looks like and then raising the bar. You will be an experienced Total Rewards and Employee Experience professional with exceptional strategic and tactical skills that can excel in a dynamic and rapidly growing environment, with a culture that expects excellence.

The successful candidate will possess unparalleled experience, expert industry know-how and connections, mental agility and problem-solving skills, strong management acumen, and a very engaging personality with zero jerk behaviors. The responsibilities of this position may change over time - this role requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the organization.

The role will report into the EMEA People Director.

- Partner with the EMEA People Director and global teams to develop and continuously refresh a tailored Total Rewards strategy aligned with the Tesla Compensation Philosophy, ensuring competitiveness, equity, and support for business objectives across all EMEA markets
- Provide end-to-end leadership in the design, implementation, communication, and administration of compensation, benefits, and equity programs — from global frameworks to local execution — while ensuring compliance, consistency, and pay-for-performance culture
- Lead salary benchmarking, pay structure development, and compensation studies; oversee regional tools and processes to streamline annual cycles such as salary reviews, benefits enrolment, and performance-based adjustments
- Drive collaboration across Total Rewards, People Operations, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Talent Acquisition to ensure seamless program delivery, accurate forecasting, and alignment with budget, legal, and regulatory requirements
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across leadership levels to anticipate business needs, influence strategy, and deliver insights that shape talent attraction, retention, and employee experience
- Ensure effective vendor management, communications strategy, and training programs — including for leaders and employees — to maximize understanding, adoption, and impact of Total Rewards initiatives
- Prepare and lead regional inputs for the Board’s Compensation Committee, manage equity programs in compliance with tax and legal standards, and proactively identify and resolve pay risks tied to organizational or strategic changes

- Proven leadership in designing, executing, and scaling Total Rewards strategies across EMEA, with hands-on experience managing compensation and benefits teams in complex, multi-country environments
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams — fostering talent growth, accountability, and operational excellence at all levels
- Exceptional track record in balancing strategic vision with tactical execution under pressure, delivering results in business-critical, fast-paced environments while maintaining stakeholder trust and satisfaction
- Deep expertise in compensation and benefits program development, including pay structure design, benchmarking, equity management, and system/tool implementation, with a strong focus on compliance, fairness, and business alignment
- Skilled in navigating conflict and crisis with diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment — consistently maintaining credibility and trust across senior leadership and cross-functional partners
- Strong communicator with advanced verbal, written, and presentation skills; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools, with fluency in English and additional European languages as a plus
- Highly organized, proactive, and resilient — excels in dynamic settings with shifting priorities, demonstrating relentless follow-through, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement