City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Compensation, the Compensation Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operations of compensation programs, including facilitating job evaluation processes, conducting compensation analyses, and developing reports and tools to support data-informed decision-making. 

Working collaboratively with internal HR colleagues, departmental leaders, and union representatives, the Compensation Specialist provides consultative expertise on job analysis and compensation matters. The position supports equitable, transparent, and legislatively compliant programs and delivers timely, high-quality service across the University community.

Key Responsibilities

Job Evaluation

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the university’s job evaluation processes across unionized and non-unionized groups.
• Work collaboratively with HR Partners and department leaders in the review, understanding and analysis of job descriptions providing advice and recommendations.
• Facilitate job evaluation committees and support training for committee members.
• Ensure equitable outcomes by applying evaluation plans consistently and maintaining benchmarking data.
• Provide documentation and communication to leaders, unions and HR Partners, including the delivery of difficult messages and evaluation outcomes.
• Participate in dispute resolution processes, including preparing documentation for reviews, settlements, and arbitrations.

Compensation & Market Analysis

• Conduct internal and external compensation analyses using market data, benchmarking methodologies, and surveys.
• Contribute to salary structure development and compensation policy updates.
• Liaise with sector peers and represent the University on relevant working groups or committees.
• Constribute data collection and analysis for legislated disclosures and institutional compensation initiatives.

Pay Equity

• Maintain and audit institutional pay equity plans partnering with HR colleagues and external consultants. 
• Conduct annual pay equity reviews and support updated required under legislation.

Reporting and Analytics

• Develop and maintain reports and analysis to support data-driven decision-making.
• Analyze data for costing, forecasting, planning, and compliance purposes.
• Interpret complex data sets and communicate insights clearly through reports and presentations.

Advisory, Engagement, and Service Delivery

• Provides consultative advice to internal HR colleagues and departmental leaders.
• Support strategic HR projects with professional insight and analytical data.
• Builds and facilitates internal relationships. Provides reliable information and prompt service.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying gaps, updating procedures, and enhancing documentation and service delivery models.

Qualifications

• University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in job evaluation and compensation.
• Demonstrated experience working with job evaluation plans and collective agreements.
• Strong analytical, relationship building, and communication skills.