Sr Manager, Compensation

OverviewMetra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.Reporting to the Director Compensation, Benefits & HRIS, the Sr. Manager Compensation is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering compensation programs for executive and staff departments; supervising staff in the performance of their duties; recommending and revising compensation programs, policies, and procedures that align with the agency's goals and reflect best practices; and ensuring through audits, legal reports, and personal interactions that agency compensation programs are administered in compliance with organizational policies and government regulations.ResponsibilitiesThe primary duties include: Develop, implement, and monitor compensation (executive, exempt, and nonexempt compensation) strategies and programs that align with agency goals, attract and retain qualified employees, comply with employment laws, are cost-effective, and reflect current trends. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of compensation goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; establish priorities and assign, review and evaluate staff work; and implement processes and standard operating procedures that reflect best practices and ensure work quality and consistency. Manage the administration of job evaluations to determine proper classification and compensation, preparation of job descriptions, designation of FLSA status, and reporting of compensation-related actions for non-contract employees. Communicate compensation policies and practices, pay decisions, and job evaluation findings to management. Supervise the conduct, participation in, and/or purchase of salary surveys to ensure the attainment of current market data for external salary competitiveness. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.RequirementsHigh school diploma or GED addition to #1, must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in compensation, human resources, or finance.Must have team lead or supervisory experience that may include day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, and discipline and/or termination.Considerable knowledge of compensation theories, methodologies, and trends.Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal compensation laws and regulations.Good research, analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.Good management and collaboration skills.Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) with exhibited mastery in Microsoft Office Excel.Good verbal and written communication skills including the ability to explain laws and regulations to senior leadership.Ability to analyze and interpret data with a high level of accuracy, consistency, and detail.Ability to create and deliver presentations to employees at various levels in the organization.Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.Ability to use good judgment and discretion with highly confidential business and employee information.Ability to continually learn and apply current legislation, trends, and practices in compensation.Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.Preferred:Bachelor's degree.PHR or SPHR or SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certifications.Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17