Benefits and Compensation Lead Analyst

Korn Ferry; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global developer and manufacturer is seeking a Lead Analyst to support the design and administration of compensation and benefits programs. This role demands strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of total rewards principles to partner with various departments. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of related experience, particularly in market benchmarking and data analysis. Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with HRIS systems are preferred. This position is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards.
• Expertise in market benchmarking, data analysis, and program administration.

Responsibilities

• Support design and administration of compensation and benefits programs.
• Engage with vendors on employee leaves and benefits.
• Conduct market pricing and benchmarking analysis.
• Participate in compensation and benefit surveys.
• Manage compliance related to compensation and benefits administration.

Skills

Data analysis

Market benchmarking

Effective communication

Analytical mindset

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, modeling)

UKG (HRIS)

BetterComp

HRSoft

Job description

Our client is a $3B global developer and manufacturer of innovative ingredients that make our world tastier and healthier. Reporting into the Director of Shared Services, this Lead Analyst will be supporting all North America employees in a leading global organization.

Purpose of the Position

The Compensation & Benefits Lead Analyst plays a key role in supporting the design, analysis, and administration of this company’s compensation and benefits programs to attract, retain, and motivate top talent. With a strong analytical mindset and deep understanding of total rewards principles, this individual partners with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Finance, and external vendors to ensure competitive and compliant practices aligned with the company’s business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits (40%)

• Engage with vendor and HRBP’s on leaves of absences (FML, STD), including guiding team members and leaders through the leave process, presenting them with information relating to leave eligibility, application process, documentation requirements, return to work, etc.
• Partner with benefits vendors and brokers to administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness programs.
• Provide support to employees, managers, HR partners, process and/or troubleshoot program eligibility, enrollment, and other issues that arise.
• Lead annual open enrollment including communications, testing, and data validation.
• Design and facilitate bi-weekly, new hire benefits presentation.
• Analyze utilization and cost data to identify trends and recommend plan design improvements.

Compensation (35%)

• Conduct market pricing and benchmarking analysis using survey data (e.g., Mercer, etc.) to maintain competitive pay structures.
• Maintain and update salary structures, job leveling framework, and pay bands.
• Partner with HRBPs and Talent Acquisition to market match roles, assess internal equity, and make recommendations.
• Support annual merit, bonus, and incentive processes through data preparation, validation, and system uploads.
• Conduct FLSA classifications, internal job evaluations, and audit reviews for compliance.

Program Data Analysis & Projects (15%)

• Participate in Compensation and Benefit surveys, analyze survey data and monitor trends and best practices to benchmark and enhance company benefits.
• Develop program communications i.e. create employee-facing content, presentations, and training to improve program understanding.
• Create communications and training for annual enrollment, merit and bonus cycles, etc.
• Support implementation of new systems, tools, or processes in the Total Rewards function.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to increase efficiency; document and maintain administrative procedures.
• Provide insights and storytelling from data to guide strategic decisions.

Compliance & Governance (10%)

• Manage and maintain compliance related to compensation and benefits administration: SPDs, 5500s, ACA, FLSA, ERISA, HIPAA, etc.
• Responsible for managing compensation platforms and data integrity
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and ensure proper data feeds to carriers.
• Other duties as assigned

The Candidate

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 5 years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards, with demonstrated expertise in market benchmarking, data analysis, and program administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or SHRM-CP/SCP/PHR/SPHR.
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or HR Analytics certification.
• Experience with HRIS and compensation systems (e.g., UKG, BetterComp, HRSoft).
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, modeling).