The Compensation Analyst supports the design, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of Harbor Freight's compensation programs. This role conducts market pricing, job evaluation, compensation analysis, and salary administration activities to ensure competitive, equitable, and compliant pay practices across the organization.

The Compensation Analyst partners closely with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Finance, HRIS, and business leaders to provide compensation recommendations, support annual compensation planning processes, analyze market trends, and deliver actionable insights that support compensation-related decisions. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, business acumen, and a working knowledge of compensation principles and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Compensation Administration
  • Administer compensation programs, policies, and processes in accordance with company guidelines and compensation philosophy.
  • Review and evaluate compensation actions, including new hire offers, promotions, transfers, market adjustments, and organizational changes.
  • Ensure compensation recommendations align with internal equity, external competitiveness, and budget considerations.
  • Serve as a compensation resource to Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders.
• Compensation Analytics and Reporting
  • Analyze compensation, workforce, and market data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas of risk.
  • Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate compensation metrics and recommendations to leadership.
  • Utilize HRIS and reporting tools to support compensation analyses, audits, and decision-making.
  • Prepare ad hoc analyses and business cases to support compensation initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Annual Compensation Planning
  • Support the administration and execution of annual and mid-year compensation planning cycles, including merit increases, promotional increases, and incentive programs.
  • Validate compensation data and ensure accurate implementation of approved compensation actions.
  • Provide analytical support and reporting throughout the compensation planning process.
• Job Evaluation and Market Pricing
  • Conduct job analyses and evaluations to determine appropriate job classifications, salary grades, and compensation ranges.
  • Perform market pricing analyses using compensation surveys and labor market data to assess external competitiveness.
  • Review market trends and provide recommendations regarding salary structures, pay ranges, and compensation practices.
  • Assist in maintaining job architecture, salary structures, and compensation frameworks.
• Compliance and Governance
  • Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local compensation regulations, including FLSA and pay transparency requirements.
  • Conduct compensation audits and analyses to ensure adherence to company policies and compensation guidelines.
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive employee and compensation data.
• Process Improvement and Support
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, documentation, and compensation-related workflows.
  • Participate in compensation projects and process improvement initiatives designed to enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
  • Recommend enhancements to compensation tools, reporting capabilities, and administrative processes.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Collaborate effectively across Harbor Freight
  • Provide support on special projects and other duties as assigned.
  • Exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or complex compensation issues.

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: No
• Decision making:
  • Exercises independent judgment within established compensation guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Makes recommendations regarding compensation actions, market pricing, and program administration.
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Flex Designation: Anywhere

The anticipated salary range for this position is $69,500 – $104,200 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Human Resources Management or equivalent experience; CCP a plus.

Years of Experience

• 2–4 years of progressive experience in Compensation, Human Resources Analytics, Finance, or a related analytical field.
• Experience conducting compensation analyses, market pricing, job evaluations, and salary administration activities.
• Experience supporting annual compensation planning processes preferred.
• Retail industry experience preferred but not required

Skills

• Compensation Knowledge
• Knowledge of compensation principles, programs, practices, and methodologies.
• Understanding of job evaluation, market pricing, salary structure administration, and compensation analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge of compensation-related compliance requirements, including FLSA.
• Analytical and Technical Skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, functions, and data analysis techniques.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and compensation databases.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into meaningful business recommendations.
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership audiences.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar data visualization tools preferred.
• Professional Skills
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
  • Ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive employee information.
  • Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro).
  • Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation.
  • Experience supporting compensation programs within a large, multi-location retail organization.

Physical Requirements
Corporate - Remote - General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time .
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety
Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

We’re a 45 year-old, $8 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We have over 1,600 stores in 48 states across the country and are opening several new locations every week. We offer our customers more than 7,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools. We provide our customers with the right tool for the right job at the right price, always delivering quality and value.