Total Rewards Lead

ABOUT MECKA AI
Mecka AI is building the data infrastructure layer for robotics and embodied AI.
We design and operate global systems for data capture, data labeling, and hardware-enabled workflows used by leading AI labs and robotics companies to train and validate humanoid and embodied AI systems.
We work closely with frontier robotics teams to bridge real-world data, simulation, learning-based systems, and deployed hardware.
The role
We’re looking for a Total Rewards Lead to own payroll, benefits, compensation and equity administration across Mecka.
This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You’ll make sure employees are paid accurately, benefits work well, equity commitments are tracked and administered, and compensation decisions are supported by reliable data. You’ll build the processes we need as we scale and manage the details that keep them running.
You’ll work closely with People, Finance, Legal and our external partners across multiple countries and employment arrangements.
What you’ll own
Payroll
- Own the global payroll calendar and coordinate accurate, timely payroll across employees, contractors, PEOs and employers of record.
- Manage payroll inputs, changes, reconciliations and issue resolution with Finance and payroll providers.
- Establish clear approvals and controls for new hires, departures, bonuses, compensation changes and deductions.
- Coordinate local payroll requirements and filings with qualified providers and advisers.
Benefits
- Manage benefits administration, employee enrolment, renewals and broker relationships.
- Evaluate coverage, costs and employee needs as we enter new markets.
- Resolve benefits issues and provide clear guidance to employees.
- Partner with Finance on benefits budgets and cost tracking.
Equity
- Own the administration of stock options, shares, RSUs and other equity awards as applicable.
- Coordinate grant workflows with Legal and Finance, from approved offer commitments through formal approval, issuance and employee documentation.
- Maintain accurate grant, vesting, exercise and departure records in Carta and related systems.
- Track outstanding commitments and approvals, reconcile records and help employees understand their awards.
- Support valuation, reporting and tax-related workflows with external advisers.
Compensation
- Build and maintain salary bands and market benchmarks across roles and locations.
- Partner with the Head of People on compensation reviews, promotions, offers and off-cycle adjustments.
- Assess internal equity and recommend practical solutions to compensation gaps.
- Model the cost of proposed salary, bonus, benefits and equity changes with Finance.
Systems and employee experience
- Maintain accurate compensation data across Rippling, Deel, Carta, Pave and connected systems.
- Build reliable workflows, reporting and documentation that reduce manual work.
- Serve as the main point of contact for employee questions about pay, benefits and equity.
- Use automation and AI tools thoughtfully to improve accuracy and turnaround times.
What you bring
- Experience owning total rewards or a combination of payroll, benefits, compensation and equity administration.
- Direct experience with Canadian and US payroll and benefits, plus exposure to international providers or employers of record.
- Practical experience administering equity in a private company, ideally using Carta.
- Strong spreadsheet, reconciliation and financial modelling skills.
- Experience building processes in a startup or another rapidly changing environment.
- Sound judgment with sensitive information and the ability to identify when specialist advice is needed.
- Clear communication: you can explain a compensation decision or equity process without unnecessary complexity.
- A willingness to work through the details, resolve issues and follow through to completion.
- Experience with Rippling, Deel, Pave or similar platforms is an asset. Relevant payroll, compensation or benefits credentials are welcome.
What success looks like
Employees are paid correctly and on time. Benefits are well managed and easy to navigate. Equity commitments and grants are accurately tracked, with clear ownership and timely follow-through. Leaders have dependable compensation data, and our processes can support a much larger global team.
If you don't check every box above but believe you can do the job, we encourage you to apply — we're looking for capability and trajectory, not a perfect checklist match.
We strive to create an inclusive work environment for all; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities. Should you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, we will partner with you to meet your needs.
We may use AI-assisted tools to help evaluate applications against the requirements of this role. These tools support our recruiting team in identifying qualified candidates but do not replace human judgment or limit which applications may be reviewed or considered.

Skills
Payroll, Documentation

Experience
8+ yrs

Employment type
FullTime

Work arrangement
Yes