Compensation Specialist | Lexington, MA (Hybrid - 2 days/week onsite)

Position Type:

3-Year Contract (Possibility of extension or permanent conversion)

Pay Rate:

$68.00 - $78.00/hr

Clearance Requirement:

Active Secret Clearance preferred, or ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance Job Overview We are seeking a seasoned, detail-oriented Compensation Specialist to support a leading client in Lexington, MA. In this role, you will lead and execute key total rewards and job architecture initiatives, driving the design, implementation, and maintenance of competitive compensation programs aligned with organizational strategy and compliance standards. This is an ideal position for an analytical HR professional with strong expertise in salary structures, HRIS tools, and benchmarking.

Key Responsibilities Job Architecture & Pay Structure Design:

Redesign and scale job architecture frameworks, including job families, career levels, title governance, and FLSA classifications. Analyze salary grades/bands, conduct market benchmarking, and model the financial impact of proposed structural changes.

Program Management & Compliance:

Develop and maintain compensation administration guidelines, toolkits, and manager resources. Ensure full compliance with federal and state employment laws and regulatory standards.

Data & Analytics:

Conduct comprehensive salary surveys using major market data platforms. Leverage advanced Excel models to deliver actionable insights and present findings to HR leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with cross-functional teams and HR leadership to drive change management and ensure compensation strategies reflect organizational goals.

Required Qualifications Experience:

8+ years of progressive compensation experience with demonstrated expertise in job analysis, leveling, salary structure design, and market pricing.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

Technical Skills:

Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency (financial modeling, pivot tables, statistical analysis) and experience with top compensation survey platforms (e.g., Radford/AON, Mercer, Pearl Meyer, TSG).

Project Execution:

Strong track record in project coordination, managing deliverables across cross-functional teams, and presenting complex data to executive stakeholders.

Clearance:

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications Certifications:

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation.

Systems:

Hands-on experience with HRIS and compensation tools (e.g., SAP, SuccessFactors, Payscale MarketPay).

Industry Background:

Prior experience in an FFRDC, defense, aerospace, or government contracting environment. #CNX200

Pay:

$68.00 - $78.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person