Senior Compensation Analyst

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Compensation Analyst to join our People team in a remote or hybrid capacity out of our Chicago office. This role is part of a multi-year compensation roadmap focused on high-impact, employee-centric initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development and administration of compensation and job architecture frameworks that keep Applied both internally equitable and externally competitive.
• Own the annual compensation planning cycle from start to finish, including system configuration, UAT, budgeting, cycle execution, and hands-on training and consultation with People Team Partners and leaders.
• Partner with People Team to evaluate roles, navigate job placement, and ensure consistent, accurate job documentation across the organization.
• Build compensation models that bring salary grades, pay equity analyses, and variable pay targets to life.
• Translate what you find into near- and long-term cost and benefit decisions.
• Serve as the team’s compensation systems expert. You will own system administration, identify opportunities to automate, and drive the efficiency gains that free the team up for higher-impact work.
• Support the administration of equity programs, including analysis and recommendations to inform grant decisions, refresh cycles, and candidate equity packages.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking for international markets, including India, with the ability to independently research statutory requirements, interpret market dynamics, and make data-driven pay recommendations.
• Stay ahead of emerging AI and data analytics trends and actively apply them to modernize compensation processes, reduce manual lift, and sharpen accuracy.
• Stay current on compensation-related laws and regulations, translating legislative changes into clear guidance and ensuring our programs and practices remain compliant.
• Bring others along. Share what you know with junior team members and help build compensation literacy across the People function.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive compensation experience covering base pay, variable pay, and job architecture.
• Advanced Excel skills: combined functions, pivot tables, queries, and the ability to turn that analysis into a clear, compelling story.
• A track record of administering full compensation planning cycles, including system configuration, UAT, reporting, and stakeholder support.
• Hands-on experience with third-party compensation surveys (Radford/Aon, Culpepper, WTW) and conducting market pricing analyses.
• A natural consultative style. You build trust with People Team partners and leaders and know how to make complex comp topics accessible.
• Familiarity with pay equity analysis and evolving multi-jurisdictional pay transparency and reporting requirements (e.g., state pay data reporting, EU legislation).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification preferred.
• Proficiency with HRIS and compensation platforms (such as UKG, Bettercomp, Pequity, or similar).
• Background in a company that was scaling through a high-growth phase.
• Experience supporting or administering compensation programs across multiple countries or regions, including familiarity with international statutory requirements and market dynamics.
• Experience building enablement resources and training for HR partners and People Leaders.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of compensation principles and practices.
• Experience with compensation benchmarking and market analysis.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits and compensation package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Holiday and Vacation Time
• Health & Wellness Days
• A Bonus Day for Your Birthday

Pay

The targeted starting base salary in the United States for this position ranges from $100,000-135,000 USD. To determine a new team member’s starting pay, we consider a variety of factors, including someone’s depth, breadth, and variety of experience, skills, and responsibilities. Depending on the role, team members may also be eligible to participate in additional compensation plans such as bonus and commission.

Schedule

This role is available in a remote or hybrid capacity out of our Chicago office.