Sr. Manager, Compensation

Aon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aon seeks a Sr. Manager, Compensation to design, implement, and govern compensation programs aligned with our talent strategy.

You will partner with Finance, People Organization, and senior leaders to shape hiring, promotions, market pricing, and incentive planning with a global governance lens. Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in a large organization, advanced Excel and analytics, Workday experience, and the ability to present executive recommendations while maintaining confidentiality and pay

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive compensation experience in a large, complex organization.
• Experience in compensation analysis, salary administration, market pricing, and annual compensation processes.
• Experience advising senior leaders and People Business Partners on complex compensation matters.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret large data sets.
• Experience developing executive-level presentations and recommendations.
• Knowledge of compensation analyses and analytics methodologies.
• Experience with global compensation programs and governance frameworks.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience with HR tech platforms (e.g., Workday, compensation planning tools).
• Discretion and professionalism handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on compensation decisions including hiring, promotions, market adjustments, and incentive opportunities.
• Conduct complex compensation analyses and develop market-competitive, equity-aware recommendations.
• Govern and support compensation programs, policies, and practices.
• Collaborate with Finance and People Organization leadership on costs and workforce planning.
• Lead salary, bonus, and long-term incentive planning activities.
• Assess trends, risks, and opportunities across the compensation cycle.

Skills

Executive-level advising

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Excel advanced

Workday experience

Strategic thinking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Compensation tools

Pay equity platforms

Job description

Sr. Manager, Compensation

Want to partner with senior leaders to solve complex workforce and reward challenges that drive business success? This role serves as a strategic compensation advisor to their client groups, partnering closely with People Organization People Business Partners and business leaders.

With a preference for Chicago, IL, any US location would be considered.

Aon is in the business of better decisions

At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.

As an organization, we are united through trust as one engaged team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

What the day will look like

The Senior Manager, Compensation will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and governing compensation programs that support Aon's talent strategy, strategic objectives, and commitment to fair and equitable pay practices.

• Provide guidance on compensation decisions including hiring, promotions, job changes, market adjustments, retention programs, and incentive opportunities.
• Conduct complex compensation analyses and develop recommendations that balance market competitiveness, internal equity, affordability, and business needs.
• Support the development, implementation, and governance of compensation programs, policies, and practices.
• Partner with Finance and People Organization leadership to evaluate compensation-related costs and workforce planning implications.
• Lead and support salary, bonus, and long-term incentive planning activities.
• Provide analysis and recommendations related to budget allocation, salary increase planning, pay differentiation, and compensation outcomes.
• Assess compensation trends and identify risks, opportunities, and emerging issues throughout the compensation cycle.
• Support governance and maintenance of the Global Career Framework and job architecture.
• Conduct market pricing analyses and evaluate competitiveness of salary structures and compensation programs.
• Ensure alignment between compensation decisions, job architecture, and market practices.
• Ensure compensation decisions and programs align with internal policies, governance requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Identify compensation-related risks and recommend mitigation plans.
• Support audits, governance reviews, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain appropriate controls over compensation processes and data.

How this opportunity is different

This role partners closely with People Partners, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to provide strategic compensation consulting, support annual compensation processes, and manage sophisticated compensation matters.

Skills and experience that will lead to success

The successful candidate will combine strong analytical capabilities with practical business judgment and will serve as a trusted advisor on compensation across the globe, while contributing to global initiatives and governance.

• 8+ years of progressive compensation experience in a large, complex organization.
• Experience in compensation analysis, salary administration, market pricing, and annual compensation processes.
• Experience advising senior leaders and People Business partners on complex compensation matters.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret large data sets and develop actionable insights.
• Experience developing executive-level presentations and recommendations.
• Knowledge of compensation analyses, compensation analytics methodologies.
• Experience with global compensation programs and governance frameworks.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience with compensation and HR technology platforms (e.g., Workday, compensation planning tools, pay equity platforms).
• Strategic problem solver with strong business acumen, meticulous.
• Demonstrates discretion and professionalism when handling highly confidential information.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of industry experience.

For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.

Pay Transparency Laws:

The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $130,000 - $150,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location.