Senior Compensation Analyst

Smurfit-Westrock; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Senior Compensation Analyst—North America to design, analyze, and administer compensation programs across multiple jurisdictions. The role collaborates with HR, Finance and business leaders to deliver data-driven insights and ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.

Requirements include a bachelor's degree, 3–5 years of compensation experience in a large organization, advanced Excel skills, and experience with Workday or other HRIS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive compensation experience.
• Experience in a large, matrixed, or global organization with both salaried and hourly populations.
• Strong knowledge of compensation-related laws (FLSA, Equal Pay Act, state/provincial laws).
• Advanced skills in Excel and experience with HRIS/compensation systems (Workday preferred).
• Strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations for leaders.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and administer base pay, incentives, and equity programs.
• Maintain salary structures, job architecture, and pay ranges for market competitiveness and internal equity.
• Partner on annual compensation processes including merit, bonus, and equity planning.
• Conduct market pricing using survey data and benchmark adjustments to ranges and matches.
• Consult with HR and business leaders on offers, promotions, and retention actions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

HRIS

SAP SuccessFactors

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The opportunity:

The Senior Compensation Analyst— North America plays a critical role in the design, analysis, and administration of compensation programs that attract, retain, and motivate talent while ensuring external competitiveness and internal equity. This role partners closely with HR Business Partners, Finance, and business leaders to deliver data-driven insights, support compensation strategy, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock:

Compensation Program Design and Administration

• Support the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of base pay, short-term incentives, and long-term incentive programs
• Evaluate and maintain salary structures, job architecture, and pay ranges to ensure market competitiveness and internal consistency
• Partner on annual compensation processes (merit, bonus, equity planning), including modeling, guidelines, and governance
• Maintain salary structures and pay ranges

Market Analysis and Benchmarking

• Conduct market pricing using survey data (e.g., Mercer, Radford, Willis Towers Watson)
• Analyze competitive positioning and recommend adjustments to salary ranges, job matches, and pay practices
• Develop insights on compensation trends across industry, geography, and employee segments
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., FLSA, pay transparency laws, equal pay requirements)
• Assist in audits, regulatory reporting, and documentation of compensation decisions

Business Partnership

• Consult with HR and business leaders on compensation decisions such as offers, promotions, and retention actions
• Provide guidance on pay positioning and internal equity considerations
• Translate compensation philosophy into practical application for managers

Process Improvement and Systems

• Drive automation and efficiency improvements in compensation processes
• Support HRIS and compensation system maintenance (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)
• Ensure data integrity and governance within compensation systems

What You Need to Succeed:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field
• 3-5 years of progressive compensation experience
• Experience in a large, matrixed, or global organization with both salaried and hourly populations
• Strong knowledge of compensation-related laws and regulations (FLSA, Equal Pay Act, state/provincial pay transparency laws)
• Advanced skills in Excel and experience with HRIS and compensation systems (Workday preferred)
• Strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations for leaders
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy

Preferred

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) strongly preferred
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent professional certification
• Experience in manufacturing (Paper, packaging, or forest products industries preferred)
• Active participation in professional organizations such as WorldatWork

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.