Compensation Specialist

At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. 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 things and 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

Summary

The Compensation Specialist will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing and administering compensation programs. They will 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 will administer the compensation programs on a day-to-day basis by providing strategic recommendations and responsive program administration. Additionally, they will participate in the research, analysis, development, revision, and enhancements of the programs ensuring efficiencies for participants and the organization.

Major Responsibilities

1st Priority - 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.

2nd Priority - 30% Prepare for the annual salary review process, including budgeting, salary increase recommendations, and communication with managers and employees. 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, incentive programs, and other compensation elements based on data analysis and industry best practices. Conduct thorough analysis of compensation data, including market surveys and internal pay equity assessments, to evaluate the competitiveness of our compensation packages.

3rd Priority - 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.

4th Priority - 10% Complete annual compensation surveys and represent organization by participation in industry specific analysis discussion groups and forums.

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree (in Human Resources, Finance or related field) preferred.
• Certified compensation professional a plus

Overall Experience

• 5+ years of experience in the human resources field, specializing in compensation.

Directly Related Experience

• 4+ years of experience in compensation analysis, design and administration, preferably in a large organization.
• Automotive experience desired.

Skills

• Ability to collaborate and succeed with diversified business practices and with all levels of an extremely fast paced organization.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Deep understanding of compensation principles, methodologies and market trends.
• Excellent planning, time management, communication, and organization skills.
• 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 analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate policies and procedures to all levels of staff and management.

Competencies

• Care for People
• Chase Excellence, Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further, Together

Pay Range

$72,328 - $113,887

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.

Equal Employment Opportunities

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. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO 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.