What are the responsibilities and job description for the Total Rewards & People Operations Senior Specialist position at XL Industries?
We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Total Rewards & People Operations Senior Specialist to join our People team. This critical role serves as a strategic consultant and operational expert across compensation, total rewards, and HR systems/process optimization. You will partner closely with People Operations, Talent Acquisition, Finance, and leadership to ensure our rewards programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business goals—all while driving operational excellence and scalability.
This role requires strong analytical capabilities, program and project management expertise, and a passion for building thoughtful, data-driven people programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Compensation & Total Rewards
- Lead the annual and mid-year merit and bonus cycles, including planning, communications, system configuration, execution, and post-cycle analysis.
- Administer and continuously improve spot bonus, equity, and incentive programs.
- Conduct benchmarking, market surveys (FMI, Radford, CEA, Moss Adams), and job evaluations to ensure market competitiveness and pay equity.
- Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, People Leaders, and People Operations to advise on offer calibration, salary banding, and job leveling.
- Evaluate and enhance compensation structures and variable pay programs, supporting both internal equity and external competitiveness.
- Manage programs such as Motus (vehicle reimbursements) and phone stipends.
Benefits & Leave Administration
- Support and/or lead benefits open enrollment processes, including vendor coordination, system updates, employee communications, and renewals.
- Oversee leave of absence administration (FMLA, ADA, EDD), including documentation, employee communication, and compliance tracking.
- Administer COBRA processes and ensure policy compliance.
- Present benefits and timekeeping/payroll systems (NOVAtime, Paylocity) during new hire orientation.
- Lead and promote employee wellness initiatives across the organization.
People Operations & Systems Optimization
- Partner with HRIS and Finance teams to optimize and scale HCM platforms (e.g., Paylocity, Jobvite).
- Act as a business lead for rewards-related systems configuration, testing, and process documentation.
- Maintain compensation-related dashboards, metrics, and reporting to drive transparency and informed decision-making.
- Ensure data accuracy and consistency across systems and processes.
Project & Program Management
- Lead cross-functional HR and total rewards projects from strategy through execution, with a focus on scalability, compliance, and employee experience.
- Own communication strategies, change management, and stakeholder engagement across initiatives.
- Conduct post-program reviews and continuous improvement efforts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; CCP or other HR certifications a plus.
- 4 years of progressive experience in Total Rewards, Compensation, or People Operations, ideally in a matrixed or fast-paced environment.
- Deep knowledge of compensation strategy, job architecture, benchmarking, and survey methodologies.
- Strong project and program management capabilities with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proficiency in HCM systems (e.g., Paylocity, Jobvite, SuccessFactors) and advanced Excel/Google Sheets.
- Ability to analyze complex data sets and provide actionable insights.
- High degree of discretion, integrity, and professionalism with sensitive data.
What You’ll Bring:
- A builder’s mindset and passion for creating scalable, high-impact people programs.
- An eye for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- A collaborative, service-oriented approach with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Enthusiasm for solving complex challenges with innovation, empathy, and data.
