Lead Total Rewards Analyst

Aqua America, Inc.; Bryn Mawr (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua America, Inc. is seeking a Lead Total Rewards Analyst to join their HR team. This role focuses on developing and administering compensation strategies, conducting market pricing analysis, and overseeing the annual compensation cycles. The ideal candidate will have 5–7+ years of experience and strong analytical skills.

The role also offers opportunities for growth in benefits administration and advanced HR analytics. Aqua America prioritizes employee development, equitable pay, and a commitment to the community.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience in benefits with significant compensation experience.
• HR Certification preferred.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and administration of compensation programs.
• Conduct market pricing analyses and develop salary recommendations.
• Support annual merit, bonus, and compensation planning cycles.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Job description

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and communities across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status—including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package and commitment to career growth opportunities.

The Lead Total Rewards Analyst is a key member of the HR team and serves as the primary subject‑matter expert in compensation strategy, analysis, and program administration. This role is ideal for a highly analytical compensation professional who excels in market pricing, job evaluation, salary structure development, annual compensation cycles, and compensation governance. While compensation is the core responsibility, the position also offers opportunities to expand into health & welfare benefits, retirement plan administration, and advanced HR analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Compensation Focus (Primary)
  • Lead the design, evaluation, and administration of base pay, incentive, and other compensation programs.
  • Conduct market pricing analyses, develop salary recommendations, and maintain internal job evaluation methodology.
  • Support the annual merit, bonus, and compensation planning cycles; manage systems, data, analytics, and leader support.
  • Maintain and update salary structures, pay grades, and job architecture.
  • Provide compensation consultation to HRBPs and leaders to ensure internal equity and pay transparency.
  • Support compensation governance, audits, reporting, and compliance.
• Total Rewards (Secondary & Growth Opportunities)
  • Assist with benefits administration activities, including health & welfare, retirement plans, vendor coordination, and compliance tasks.
  • Support the development of benefits communications and employee education tools.
  • Contribute to Total Rewards projects such as plan reviews, program evaluations, and benchmarking.
• Data & Analytics
  • Produce insights through compensation and benefits analytics, dashboards, and reporting.
  • Utilize data to support decision‑making, identify trends, and drive Total Rewards strategy.
  • Partner with HRIS and Finance teams to ensure accurate and consistent data management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• 5–7+ years of experience in benefits with significant, hands‑on compensation experience.
• HR Certification preferred.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and critical‑thinking skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Effective communicator who can explain complex compensation concepts to non‑HR audiences.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a small, high‑impact HR team.
• Interest in expanding subject‑matter expertise in benefits and broader Total Rewards.

Essential Utilities, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Essential Utilities is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).