Total Rewards & People Operations Senior Specialist

Description

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.