Senior, Compensation Specialist

Job Description

Job Title: Senior, Compensation Specialist

Posting Start Date: 11/7/25

Job Description:

Important Information

Posted range is $68,640-114,660

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

Provides compensation services to department leaders and HR team on various compensation related matters such as salary management, compensation programs, employee and manager education and communication, job design and evaluation, corporate policies/procedures interpretation to ensure the successful development, implementation and administration of compensation guidelines, practices and policies while balancing internal equity and market competiveness for regulated and non-regulated business.

Key Accountabilities

- Conduct market analysis and make recommendations to management to ensure recruitment and retention of employees; Conduct job evaluations on new and existing positions, including content review, benchmarking, and market pricing

- Lead & coordinate annual merit increase and incentive pay programs to ensure accurate payments by target date; research and resolve related employee data issues.

- Compare input & output files; assist with configuration and testing of compensation module; work with HRBPs to validate HRIS data.

- Understand the functionality of the merit increase and incentive pay software system; identify system requirements and new enhancements; Create and execute test cases and scenarios

- Lead and facilitate user training; Trouble-shoot and resolve production issues.

- Influence decision-making process and final outcome by providing complex & detailed analysis/models, innovative recommendations, and expert advice to department leaders and HR team;

- Conduct root cause analysis on specific employee issues and data issues - propose solutions and implement resolutions

- Perform analysis and make recommendations for special projects relating to salary/wage management, FLSA, job analysis and other compensation related matters.

Knowledge/Skills

- Knowledge and experience developing, implementing and applying compensation concepts, practices, procedures and regulations.

- Proficiency in using HRIS systems, and Microsoft Office suite with strong emphasis on Excel

- Strong knowledge of design and implementation of variable compensation programs preferred.

Experience/Education

- Bachelor's degree (Human Resources, Finance or related field) required, or a combination of related work experience and completed years of education.

- Minimum 7 years progressive work in compensation and/or a related analytical filed; HR Generalist experience a plus

Work Environment

- Standard office environment

- Hybrid work schedule, 3 days in the office 2 days offsite.

Travel Requirements

- Limited travel to operations based throughout the U.S.

- Active State Driver's Licnese required with the ability to pass a motor vehicle report.

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates