Lead Compensation Analyst

About the Team

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business-connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company’s core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives. Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services.

We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience!

Collaborative Work Environment: At Pet Smart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

As a Lead Compensation Analyst
, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the organization, developing and executing compensation strategies that drive performance, engagement, and alignment with business goals. You’ll lead the design and implementation of complex compensation programs, partnering with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure our reward strategies are competitive, equitable, and scalable. You’ll mentor junior analysts and consultants, champion data-driven decision-making, and play a key leadership role in annual compensation planning and review cycles.

• Strategic Consultation: Act as the primary compensation point of contact for HR Business Partners, providing guidance and expertise on a range of complex compensation initiatives.
• Program Design & Management: Lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of compensation programs and policies that support business priorities and enhance associate engagement.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee annual compensation planning, budgeting, performance review cycles, salary structure design, and market benchmarking processes.
• Project Management: Manage large-scale, high-impact compensation projects from concept through implementation with minimal oversight.
• Data and Analytics: Interpret complex data, identify trends and make data driven recommendations using a variety of systems (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Alteryx, etc.).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with HR, Finance, and other departments to drive alignment between compensation strategy and enterprise goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Compensation, with deep knowledge of compensation principles, job evaluation, market pricing, and pay equity.
• Demonstrated success leading complex compensation projects and collaborating with senior leadership.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience with HRIS and Compensation systems (e.g., SAP ECC, SAP Success Factors, Pay Factors, etc.).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our Flex Smart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. Pet Smart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

At Pet Smart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.

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