Compensation Analyst

Compensation Analyst, Americas

Industry: Luxury Retail

Salary: $80,000–$95,000 base

Position Overview

We are partnering with a global luxury retail company seeking a detail-oriented, analytical Compensation Analyst to support compensation planning and reporting across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Reporting to the Director of Compensation & Benefits, Americas, this position will focus heavily on staff cost budgeting, forecasting, payroll analysis, compensation reporting, and financial modeling.

The ideal candidate is highly proficient in Excel, comfortable working with complex data, and enjoys partnering across HR, Finance, and Retail leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation Planning & Financial Analysis

• Manage annual staff cost budgets and forecasts across the Americas, including three annual forecast revisions.
• Partner with Finance, Planning, and HR to track payroll, headcount, and compensation expenses.
• Analyze monthly payroll actuals against forecasts, identify variances, and explain key drivers.
• Prepare payroll bridges, compensation reports, and financial models.
• Manage HR travel and expense budgets, including forecasting and monthly reporting.

Compensation Reporting & Analysis

• Maintain accurate compensation data, master compensation files, and reporting dashboards.
• Prepare monthly headcount reports and biannual turnover analyses.
• Conduct compensation modeling to evaluate salary structures, incentive programs, and compensation packages.
• Participate in compensation benchmarking surveys and analyze market data.
• Monitor minimum wage requirements, salary thresholds, and other compensation-related regulations.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Retail leadership on staffing and compensation planning for new store openings.
• Support internal compensation changes, salary proposals, offer letters, and payroll updates.
• Assist with biannual performance review and compensation cycles.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Payroll to ensure accurate compensation administration.
• Review HR vendor invoices, track expenses, and support employment-related insurance cost reporting.
• Assist with special projects and ad hoc compensation analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in compensation, financial analysis, HR analytics, or a related function.
• Advanced Excel skills are essential , including strong mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working with confidential employee and compensation information.
• Proactive, adaptable, and willing to take ownership of projects.

Preferred Experience

• Background in luxury retail, fashion, or a multinational organization.
• Experience supporting retail compensation and commission structures.
• Familiarity with headcount planning, payroll analysis, and incentive compensation.
• Additional language proficiency is a plus.

Ideal Candidate