Compensation Specialist

Kia Corporation • Tustin, CA

5d • $77,105 - $100,227 • Onsite

About The Position

The Compensation Specialist implements and administers Kia’s compensation programs, ensuring practices are competitive, fair, and aligned with organizational objectives. The role provides day-to-day program administration and strategic recommendations, and participates in researching, analyzing, developing, revising, and improving compensation programs.

The Specialist serves as an administrative lead for compensation activities, working with HR partners on job analysis, evaluations, classifications, salary grades, and market-based pricing for new, revised, and backfill positions. The role supports annual salary and merit planning, compensation surveys, HRIS administration, data management, analysis, reporting, and policy compliance. It also advises HR and management on compensation decisions and helps maintain consistent compensation practices across the organization.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of human resources experience specializing in compensation.
• At least 4 years of experience in compensation analysis, design, and administration, preferably in a large organization.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Deep understanding of compensation principles, methodologies, and market trends.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Intermediate proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for producing reports and proposals.
• Strong numerical orientation and attention to detail.
• Ability to navigate databases and systems as a user and system administrator.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including communicating policies and procedures to staff and management at all levels.
• Excellent planning, time management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate across diverse business practices and organizational levels in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail, analyze information, make sound decisions under time constraints, solve problems, handle competing priorities, and respond to challenges with poise and agility.
• Ability to work with multiple concurrent tasks and interruptions and to work independently.
• Physical ability to perform primarily sedentary office work involving frequent sitting and computer use, occasional standing and walking, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to travel domestically 5%.
• May need to work additional hours outside normal business hours as required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
• Certified compensation professional credential.
• Automotive experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with HR team members to evaluate new and existing roles, determine job classifications and salary grades, and make compensation recommendations.
• Prepare for annual salary review and compensation planning, including budgeting, merit and promotion processes, and salary increase recommendations.
• Analyze compensation data, market surveys, and internal pay assessments to evaluate competitiveness and recommend adjustments to salary structures and other compensation elements.
• Ensure compensation decisions comply with established policies and guidelines.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to develop and refine strategies to attract, retain, and motivate talent.
• Administer compensation-related HRIS modules, assist internal partners with system issues, and support module functionality.
• Maintain accurate compensation data in HRIS systems; generate reports and analyze trends for decision-making and compliance.
• Complete annual compensation surveys and represent the organization in industry analysis discussions and forums.
• Conduct job analysis, market studies, and job description reviews to price roles accurately and competitively.
• Gather, compile, and review compensation data for industry-specific, general-market, and executive survey submissions.
• Support compensation analysis, reclassifications, revisions, and updates to promote organizational consistency.
• Review proposed salary adjustments for compliance with established guidelines and policies.
• Compile job documentation and market data to support management compensation decisions.
• Perform data entry and develop integrated spreadsheets for analysis and reporting; serve as a compensation reporting expert.
• Perform other duties assigned by HR management and take reasonable actions consistent with company policies and sound business judgment.

Benefits

• Premium paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for team members and dependents.
• 401(k) plan with 100% matching on salary deferrals up to 6%.
• Paid time off.
• Company lease and purchase programs.
• Company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Premium lifestyle amenities at the corporate campus in Irvine, California.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level