Executive Director, Total Rewards

Company Overview

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-centric biopharmaceutical enterprise focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing transformative treatments for patients in need. The company fosters an inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and high-performance environment.

Business Focus

Advancing a promising pipeline targeting serious medical needs such as epilepsy, depression, and pain, Xenon's lead asset, azetukalner, is one of the most advanced potassium channel modulators in late-stage clinical development globally. Following favorable Phase 3 focal onset seizures trial results announced in March 2026, a New Drug Application submission is anticipated in Q3 2026. Additional studies address other epilepsy indications and mood disorders. The company also drives early-stage candidates targeting ion channels for pain therapy. A strong financial base supports ongoing discovery, clinical, and commercial growth as a fully integrated neuroscience company.

Role Summary

The Executive Director, Total Rewards will be integral to the HR leadership team, spearheading the design and execution of comprehensive compensation and benefits strategies aligned with business goals and company culture. This role requires strategic vision combined with meticulous operational oversight to ensure robust processes and programs that attract, motivate, and retain talent across the U.S. and Canada. The position reports to the EVP, Human Resources and is based in Vancouver, BC, or Needham, MA. The role involves at least two onsite days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and govern competitive, integrated total rewards programs including base pay, incentives, equity, benefits, and recognition to support talent acquisition, performance delivery, and retention in North America.
• Manage base salary programs encompassing workforce planning, budgeting, job evaluation, salary range management, pay transparency, legal compliance, annual and promotional salary adjustments, and coaching HR business partners on best practices.
• Oversee incentive compensation for non-sales personnel; collaborate on sales incentive schemes; ensure alignment with performance expectations and management systems.
• Design and administer equity compensation plans including stock options and full-value share programs in coordination with senior leaders and the Compensation Committee.
• Coordinate with external compensation consultants and assist in preparing materials for executive and board-level committees.
• Review and contribute to governance reports such as proxy compensation disclosures, working with legal and finance teams.
• Lead employee recognition schemes in partnership with HR teams.
• Direct U.S. benefits programs covering health, retirement savings including 401(k) plans, guided by industry benchmarks and external advisors from design through employee communication and governance.
• Provide accurate financial forecasting for compensation related expenses within annual and multi-year planning.
• Support the growth of Xenon’s Career Framework emphasizing compensation alignment.
• Partner with HR systems and data teams to optimize technology for compensation and reward program administration.
• Manage participation in Canadian and U.S. compensation surveys to maintain competitive positioning.
• Develop communication strategies to enhance employee understanding and support for total rewards packages.
• Build strong working relationships with organizational leaders, fostering transparency and agility in total rewards strategy alignment.
• Maintain expertise in life sciences compensation trends and governance; provide thought leadership on emerging challenges.
• Embody and champion Xenon’s evolving cultural values.
• Set and pursue short- and long-term objectives for the total rewards function in line with corporate strategy.
• Manage budgets in accordance with company finance policies.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate HR team members as applicable, adhering to company policies and ethics standards.
• Comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure adherence among direct reports.
• Travel occasionally for business requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A relevant undergraduate degree with coursework in math, accounting, finance, or law is required; an MBA is highly preferred.
• At least 15 years in progressively senior compensation or HR management roles within public, multinational life sciences companies undergoing rapid expansion; experience with both pre-commercial and commercial stages is ideal.
• Proven capability preparing materials and engaging with Boards and Compensation Committees.
• Strong business acumen relating biopharma strategies to total rewards.
• Hands-on expertise with HR data and systems, with heightened attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills enabling strategic execution at an enterprise level.
• Ability to adapt swiftly to evolving business needs.
• Superior communication skills tailored for diverse audiences including executives and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Unwavering integrity, reliability, and a results-driven mindset.
• Capacity to manage multiple priority projects with exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, HRIS, Finance systems, and data platforms.

Compensation and Benefits

Xenon's total rewards include competitive base salary, targeted bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, travel insurance, and retirement plans with company matching.

The company prioritizes work-life balance through vacation, personal and sick days, and an annual company-wide shutdown. There is a strong emphasis on professional development with expanding learning programs and tuition assistance for advanced education.

Compensation Range

CAD 204,200 to CAD 258,300 annually.