Compensation Consultant

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

35d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Compensation Consultant role participates in the implementation and administration of compensation programs for designated business groups or functions, ensuring alignment with Grainger's pay-for-performance philosophy and strategic goals. The role conducts market benchmarking and performance analysis to inform HR Business Partners and leaders on job evaluations, salary structures, and compensation decisions. The Compensation Consultant executes tasks within the annual compensation planning cycle—including merit, short-term incentive, and equity programs—and engages in compensation initiatives while maintaining compliance with internal policies and external regulations. The role communicates compensation philosophy and tools to stakeholders, maintains audit and data integrity processes, and monitors industry trends to enhance program effectiveness. This is a hybrid position that is onsite in Lake Forest two days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in HR, Business, Finance, or related field required
• 3+ years with broad-based compensation programs, including job evaluation, salary survey techniques and interpretation, performance and reward systems, and incentive administration required
• Demonstrated experience in compensation practices, pay structures, and market benchmarking.
• Proficient in intermediate to advanced Excel analysis, including building complex formulas, using pivot tables, and performing related data-driven evaluations.
• Experience in data analysis involving large, complex data sets and interpreting results to enable decision making.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge regarding regulatory compliance (FLSA, pay equity, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) preferred

Responsibilities

• Supports the implementation and administration of compensation programs for a business group or function, collaborating with the Compensation team to deliver final products to HR Business Partners and leaders.
• Conducts market benchmarking and other analysis to provide consultative insights to inform HR Business Partners and leaders.
• Supports the annual compensation planning cycle for an aligned function(s) of a specific Grainger business unit (merit, short-term incentive, and equity) through analysis, reporting, and ad hoc consultation.
• Collaborates with members of the Compensation team, to leverage insights from HR Business Partners, leaders of business units, and other stakeholders to analyze compensation, market trends, and performance data for decision-making, job evaluations, and participates in compensation initiatives.
• Maintains reporting and processes to support compliance with internal policies, legal requirements, and external regulations;supports audit and compliance activities related to compensation programs and data integrity.
• Communicates compensation philosophy, practices, and tools to HR and business leaders to build understanding and consistency.
• Researches and monitors current compensation practices, trends, and technology.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees