Compensation Specialist

Kia Corp.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Lease/purchase programs

Holiday shutdown

Volunteer hours

Campus amenities

Job summary

Kia is seeking a Compensation Specialist to implement and administer compensation programs at its Irvine campus. The role focuses on ensuring competitive, fair pay aligned with strategic goals, including job evaluations, market analyses, and data-driven recommendations.

The position requires deep knowledge of compensation principles, collaboration with HR leadership, and support for annual planning, reporting, and system administration. Exempt status and professional growth are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and data management.
• Advanced Excel skills for reporting and pricing analysis.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with HR to evaluate jobs and determine salary grades and classifications.
• Prepare for annual salary reviews, including budgeting and merit/bonus planning.
• Maintain compensation data in HRIS and generate reports for compliance and decision-making.
• Assist with compensation surveys and industry analysis discussions.

Skills

Analytical skills

HRIS proficiency

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

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

Job description

At Kia, we're creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.

Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.

Status

Exempt

General Summary

The Compensation Specialist plays a pivotal role in implementing and administering compensation programs. They ensure Kia compensation practices are competitive, fair and aligned with our strategic objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of compensation principles, market trends and regulatory requirements.

The Specialist administers the compensation programs on a day-to-day basis by providing strategic recommendations and responsive program administration. Additionally, they participate in the research, analysis, development, revision, and enhancements of the programs ensuring efficiencies for participants and the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Priority One - 40%
  • Partner with HR team members to conduct job evaluations and complete compensation recommendations on an ongoing basis. Evaluate new and existing roles to determine appropriate job classifications and salary grades. Ensure consistency and fairness in job evaluations and alignment with organizational goals.
• Priority Two - 30%
  • Prepare for the annual salary review process, including budgeting and salary increase recommendations. Ensure compliance with compensation policies and guidelines. Utilize critical thinking and analytical skills to advise on the compensation function including the merit and bonus planning process. Collaborate with HR leadership to develop and refine compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate top talent. Make recommendations for adjustments to salary structures and other compensation elements based on data analysis and industry best practices. Conduct thorough analysis of compensation data, including market surveys and internal pay assessments, to evaluate the competitiveness of our compensation packages.
• Priority Three - 20%
  • Support compensation initiatives through HRIS module administration. Point of contact for internal partners to address system issues and facilitate module functionality activities.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date compensation data in HRIS systems. Generate reports and analyze trends to support decision-making and compliance efforts.
• Priority Four -10%
  • Complete annual compensation surveys and represent organization by participation in industry specific analysis discussion groups and forums.

This list of essential responsibilities and duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary by management.

Day-to-Day Duties (Personally Performed Duties)

• Administrative lead for Kia compensation program activities; collaborate with HR partners to develop market-based compensation pricing for newly created, revised and back-fill positions.
• Support the organization through job analysis, market study and job description review culminating with accurate and competitive market pricing of jobs.
• Assists with compensation data management and interpretation. This involves the gathering, compiling, and review of data in support of salary survey participation/submission (industry specific, general market and executive surveys).
• Assists with compensation analysis, reclassifications, revisions and updates ensuring consistency across the organization.
• Conducts the review of proposed salary adjustments for conformance to established guidelines and policies.
• Support the annual compensation planning process (this includes the annual merit/promotion process) by providing and analyzing market data, compiling job documentation, and supporting management to make informed compensation decisions.
• Performs data entry and develops integrated spreadsheet for use in analysis and reporting. Serves as compensation reporting expert.
• Performs any other duties assigned by HR management and take any reasonable action necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position, consistent with established company policies and sound business judgement.

Qualifications/Education

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance or related field preferred.

Job Requirement

• 5+ years of experience in the human resources field, specializing in compensation.
• 4+ years of experience in compensation analysis, design and administration, preferably in a large organization.

Other Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Primarily sedentary office work performed in a corporate environment; frequent sitting and computer use; occasional standing/walking and lifting up to 10lbs.
• May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job.
• Domestic travel 5%.
• Job demands may include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, problem solving, language, reasoning skills, oral communication, written communication, customer contact, ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees, multiple concurrent tasks, ability to work with constant interruptions, etc.
• Must be able to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze information and make sound decisions under time constraints.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Must be able to respond to challenges with poise and agility.
• Ability to handle competing priorities effectively and with composure.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Deep understanding of compensation principles, methodologies and market trends.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Intermediate proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required to produce various reports and proposals.
• Must possess a strong numbers orientation and attention to detail.
• Possess the ability to navigate databases and systems as a user and system administrator.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate policies and procedures to all levels of staff and management.
• Excellent planning, time management, communication, and organization skills.
• Ability to collaborate and succeed with diversified business practices and with all levels of an extremely fast paced organization.
• Care for People
• Chase Excellence Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further Together

Pay Range

$77,105.26 -$100,226.82

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUScomplies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUSEEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.