Principal Compensation Analyst

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award , we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide. At KinderCare Learning Companies, you’ll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we’re all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive. The Principal Compensation Analyst is a subject matter expert within the Total Rewards function, responsible for providing compensation leadership, support and services to field business units across our KinderCare Learning Center brands. This person will work closely with business & HR partners across the organization on broad-based compensation design and implementation that ensure attraction and retention of key talent . This role will be leveraged to design, lead and support compensation strategies, including but not limited to salary structures and merit strategy, bonus and incentive design, and additional ad-hoc analysis for various compensation initiatives . This role is expected to operate with minimal supervision, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and serve as a key thought partner to HR and business leadership. Responsibilities: Design, build, maintain, and refine advanced compensation programs while owning the end-to-end analytical workstream for annual compensation review cycles, including merit budget modeling, payout analysis, and post-cycle reporting, to support merit, incentive, equity, and other Total Rewards initiatives for hourly field staff and salaried field leadership Independently lead scenario-based analysis and develop financial models to assess compensation changes, market adjustments, pay equity initiatives, and ad hoc projects while proactively identifying trends, gaps, and recommendations through compensation, workforce, and market data Conduct market analysis and provide recommendations for annual compensation budgets and increase strategies while partnering with Finance to manage and maintain compensation program financial accruals Translate complex quantitative data into clear, concise, and visually compelling narratives through executive-ready presentations, email summaries, and briefing documents that highlight findings, outcomes, and actionable recommendations to inform decision-making at all level s Serve as a compensation subject matter expert on external pay practices, policies, and data integrity while partnering with HRIS and HR Technology to ensure legal compliance, internal equity, external competitiveness, accurate and auditable reporting, and improved data quality and system capabilities. Lead and support Workday compensation administration, including configuration, testing, and maintenance, while driving continuous improvement of compensation tools, templates, and processes through automation and best practices to increase efficiency Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources , Economics, Business Administration , or a related field required 7+ years’ of progressive experience in Compensation , HR analytics, Finance, or a closely related analytical role, with demonstrated growth in scope and complexity Expert-level Microsoft Excel proficiency required Strong analytical capabilities and ability to communicate persuasively with business partners to resolve highly complex problems and recommend or produce best solutions for their client Demonstrated confidence in presenting executive summaries to HR and Senior Management teams Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) preferred Experience with Workday compensation design preferred Our benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life: - Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits. - Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!). - Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs. - Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones. - … and much more. We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people. KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.