Compensation Specialist (Job Evaluation)

The City of Guelph • Guelph, ON

10d • CA$97,149 - CA$121,436 • Hybrid

About The Position

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Compensation Specialist within the Human Resources department. Reporting to the Manager, Total Compensation and HR Systems, the successful candidate is the City’s subject matter expert on compensation, job evaluation, pay equity and organizational design. This role is responsible for compensation analysis, market research, job evaluation, and the development and maintenance of compensation programs and practices. The Compensation Specialist will provide strategic advice and recommendations to support organizational decision-making, legislative compliance, internal equity, and the attraction and retention of talent across the City. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City’s Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Vision for an inclusive, connected and prosperous city.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in a related field. Must have specific training in compensation, job evaluation and Pay Equity. Note that equivalent combinations of education, experience and training will be considered
• Considerable experience in compensation analysis, salary administration, organizational design and job evaluation
• Experience validating, analyzing and reporting on compensation data
• Deep knowledge of non-union and unionized compensation program design and salary administration
• Extensive knowledge of prevailing employment legislation, such as the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Act, and Human Rights Code
• Knowledge of job evaluation methodologies
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with financial modelling and interpreting complex data
• Intermediate ability to use Microsoft 365 tools, including SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook, to support collaboration, document management, and workflow efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvement opportunities and implement practical, effective solutions
• Possesses sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
• High degree of attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate data
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex compensation concepts in clear, plain language while maintaining tact

Nice To Haves

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation
• Experience in compensation program design and policy development
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including modelling, analysis, and data manipulation; experience using data visualization or reporting tools and HR systems (e.g., JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, SAP, UKG)
• Aforementioned experience acquired in a unionized or public sector environment

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the City’s compensation programs including, but not limited to, conducting compensation analysis for staff and Council and providing data-driven recommendations to senior management
• Regularly evaluate the City’s compensation strategy, salary administration and program effectiveness
• Conduct market research and participate in compensation surveys to support competitive compensation programs. Analyze and interpret compensation and HR data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Administer compensation exceptions and special pay arrangements; monitor salary compression and internal equity issues and provide recommendations
• Build and maintain effective relationships with municipal and compensation networks to support benchmarking and best practices
• Review and validate benchmarking analyses prepared for new and revised positions, provide guidance on complex cases, identify missing or incomplete information
• Monitor compensation trends, best practices, and legislative developments
• Accountable for the non-union and union job evaluation processes, including facilitating joint labour-management job evaluation committees. Manage the non-union job evaluation program
• Maintain job evaluation documentation, records, and tools to ensure compliance with corporate and legislative requirements
• Advise on compensation matters, such as, pay decisions, salary progression, and policy interpretation
• Provide training and guidance on job evaluation processes and tools
• Lead Pay Equity compliance activities and initiatives, including workforce analysis, job class comparisons, reporting, and ongoing program maintenance
• Provide advice to managers and other Human Resources professionals on job design and job descriptions to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational structure and corporate policies
• Working through the Human Resources Advisors, provide advice on organizational design projects, workforce planning, and restructuring initiatives
• Provide compensation analysis, costing, and data to support collective bargaining, grievances, and arbitration processes
• Maintains data integrity of the Compensation and Job Evaluation programs
• Lead compensation and job evaluation projects, including compensation reviews, Pay Equity initiatives, and process, systems and workflow improvements
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Parental leave top up program
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree