Compensation Specialist

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Compensation Specialist is a recognized subject matter expert in global compensation within the Global Compensation Center of Excellence. Working with limited oversight, this role leads significant global compensation projects and processes, including job evaluation and leveling, market benchmarking, the annual compensation planning cycle, bonus administration, and pay equity and transparency analysis. The Specialist works within the compensation philosophy, policies, and program frameworks set by Global Compensation leadership, and develops recommendations to improve them. The Specialist also resolves complex, escalated compensation questions from Regional Compensation Managers and HR Business Partners, and coaches less experienced team members.

Key Responsibilities

Consulting, Tier 2 Support

• Serve as Tier 2 escalation support for Regional Compensation Managers and HR Business Partners on complex job evaluation, pay action, and policy questions.
• Advise HR Business Partners on promotions, job levels, market adjustments, and retention actions.
• Contribute to organization design and workforce planning projects as the compensation subject matter expert.

Job Evaluation, Leveling & Market Benchmarking

• Conduct complex job evaluations and leveling, and recommend job levels, bands, and job family placement for new and changed roles.
• Lead market pricing and benchmarking projects across regions and recommend pay range and structure updates based on survey data.
• Manage the annual survey data submission and the update of market data for assigned regions or job families.
• Maintain the job catalog and job architecture, including job family, level, and title governance for assigned areas. Recommend improvements to leveling guidelines and benchmarking standards for leadership approval.

Annual Compensation Planning & Salary Administration

• Lead administration of the annual compensation review cycle, including data preparation, budget loading, testing, communications support, and post-cycle validation.
• Lead administration of the annual global bonus cycle, including eligibility, targets, payout calculations, validations, and approvals, in coordination with Finance, Payroll, and regional teams.
• Prepare plan documentation and communications and maintain governance records for assigned plans.
• Manage planning cycle governance, including guidelines, timelines, approval workflows, and exception tracking.
• Review and recommend promotions, market adjustments, retention actions, and off-cycle requests against policy, internal equity, and market data.
• Model merit budgets and forecasts and assess cost impact for Finance and HR leadership.

Compensation Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as functional subject matter expert for compensation planning tools and processes, and partner with HRIS on requirements, configuration testing, enhancements, and data integrity.
• Identify and implement process improvements that raise accuracy, efficiency, and controls in compensation operations.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive compensation experience, including at least 3 years in job evaluation and market benchmarking, and experience leading projects with limited oversight.
• Experience supporting compensation programs across multiple countries or regions.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills, with demonstrated ability to model, validate, and explain compensation data.

Preferred

• Master’s degree or MBA; Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or equivalent.
• Experience with recognized job evaluation methodologies or equivalent salary survey tools.
• Experience with Oracle or comparable HCM and compensation planning systems; manufacturing industry experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of job evaluation, market pricing, salary structures, and annual compensation planning.
• Applies advanced analytical skills to difficult and often complex problems, and exercises sound judgment on matters with limited precedent.
• Manages multiple large projects independently, with clear timelines and limited oversight from a manager.
• Communicates clearly and influences HR Business Partners, Finance, and business leaders without direct authority.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of compensation and employee data.

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000
• Bonus Eligible
• Relocation is not provided
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire     
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued 
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

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Nearest Major Market: Denver

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