Executive Director, Total Rewards

About Xenon Pharmaceuticals

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a biopharmaceutical company with a focus on neuroscience, devoted to discovering, developing, and commercializing transformative therapies for patients in need. We nurture a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive workplace culture, seeking exceptional talent to join our team.

Our Pipeline and Mission

We are advancing a pipeline targeting high unmet medical needs such as epilepsy, depression, and pain. Our lead Phase 3 azetukalner program is among the most advanced potassium channel modulators in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. Positive topline results were announced in March 2026 for focal onset seizures (FOS), with planned FDA New Drug Application submissions in Q3 2026. Additional Phase 3 trials target expanded epilepsy indications and mood disorders, supported by Phase 2 data.

We leverage a strong foundation in human genetics, ion channel biology, and novel chemistries to develop potent, selective modulators. Our early-stage programs include Phase 1 candidates targeting pain. Supported by robust financial resources, we are building a fully integrated neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical, corporate, and commercial functions.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, Total Rewards will be a key leader within the HR team, responsible for designing, implementing, and evolving competitive compensation and benefits programs across the U.S. and Canada. This role demands strategic vision along with direct hands-on involvement to ensure clear program principles, end-to-end robust processes, and flawless execution that support talent acquisition, motivation, and retention aligned with business objectives and company values.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and govern integrated total rewards strategies—base salary, bonuses, equity, recognition, benefits—to attract and retain top talent in the U.S. and Canada, in collaboration with the EVP, HR and external advisors.
• Manage base salary programs including budgeting, forecasting, job design, salary range maintenance, legal compliance, annual and promotion increases, plus coaching HR partners for consistent application.
• Oversee incentive compensation plans for non-sales employees, working with sales management and HR to ensure alignment with performance metrics and integration with performance management programs.
• Coordinate equity program design and evolution—including stock options, full value share plans, and potential deferred compensation—in partnership with executive leaders and the Compensation Committee.
• Manage relationships with external compensation consultants and prepare materials for the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors.
• Contribute to governance reports such as proxy compensation analyses, collaborating with Finance and Legal as needed.
• Lead non-financial employee recognition programs along with HR teams.
• Oversee U.S. benefits programs including health plans and 401(k), managing design, vendor contracting, employee communications, and governance.
• Ensure accurate compensation data supports financial planning for annual operating and five-year strategic plans.
• Collaborate on evolving the company’s Career Framework, particularly regarding compensation philosophy and programs.
• Recommend improvements in HR and compensation systems aligned with corporate IT roadmaps.
• Manage participation in compensation surveys within the U.S. and Canada.
• Develop communication strategies to enhance employee understanding and appreciation of total rewards offerings.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal leaders, emphasizing agility, transparency, and alignment with company culture.
• Stay informed on life sciences compensation trends and governance to provide thought leadership.
• Promote Xenon’s culture and values as an ambassador within and beyond the HR function.
• Set short- and long-term objectives consistent with company strategy and oversee budget planning and management.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate direct reports in line with company policies when applicable.
• Ensure adherence to Company policies including the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
• May involve some international travel.

Qualifications

• Relevant bachelor's degree with coursework in math, accounting, finance, or law; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15 years progressive compensation or HR leadership experience within public, multinational life sciences companies undergoing change and growth; exposure to both pre-commercial and commercial organizations preferred.
• Proven experience preparing materials for Boards or Compensation Committees.
• Strong business acumen and in-depth understanding of how biopharma business strategies influence total rewards.
• Hands-on expertise with data management and HR systems, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, conceptual, problem-solving, and business planning abilities.
• Adaptable and responsive to changing business priorities.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse audiences including executives.
• Effective collaborator with strong relationship-building capabilities.
• High integrity, reliability, and strong drive to achieve results promptly.
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and project management skills to handle multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Office software and HR/Finance systems and data management.

Total Rewards Package

Compensation includes base salary, target bonus, stock options, and a broad benefits suite covering medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, travel insurance, and retirement savings with company matching.

We encourage rest and work-life balance through vacation, personal and sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. We emphasize employee growth via an expanding Training, Learning & Development program including tuition assistance for advanced degrees.

Compensation Range

The salary range for this role is CA$204,200 to CA$258,300 annually.