Compensation and Workforce Planning Analyst

CityIrvineStateCaliforniaJob LocationIrvine Regional Office (Derian)Position TypeRegular

The Compensation and Workforce Planning Analyst plays a critical role in supporting the strategy, accuracy, and operational excellence of Essex’s Total Rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, and workforce budgeting. This position serves as a key steward of HR data integrity, delivering analysis, system administration, compliance oversight, and reporting that directly influence business planning and associate experience. The role blends technical expertise with analytical insight to ensure data-driven decision-making across the organization.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Support the Total Rewards team in maintaining the accuracy of HR employment and personal data related to Total Rewards functions.

• Maintain and update Workday to reflect all associate data during the employment life cycle: Job, Compensation, Benefits, Pay, Personal, etc.

• Support the annual compensation review cycle through data preparation, analysis, system configuration, and process execution.

• Prepare and manage data submissions for external compensation surveys to ensure competitive market benchmarking.

• Conduct market pay analysis and provide insights that support equitable and competitive compensation practices.

• Maintain accurate headcount and compensation data to support salary planning, workforce budgeting, and financial modeling.

• Lead recurring audit and compliance processes across payroll, compensation, and benefits — including payroll audits, overtime audits, 401(k) funding and non-discrimination testing, and invoice tracking — ensuring strong internal controls and data accuracy.

• Support regulatory and compliance reporting such as CEO Pay Ratio calculations, workers’ compensation reconciliations, and other required reporting, ensuring alignment with payroll, tax, and company policies.

• Maintain and update compensation-related configurations in Workday, including job profiles, bonus plans, position attributes, one-time payments, and allocations, in partnership with HRIS.

• Contribute to cross-functional Total Rewards initiatives, providing analytical support and operational execution.

• Assist with financial modeling, workforce cost forecasting, and ad hoc analytics to support strategic workforce planning.

• Provide ongoing operational and analytical support to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of Total Rewards programs.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support team and business objectives.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in HR data administration, preferably supporting compensation, benefits, and workforce budgeting.

• Working knowledge of HR best practices, compliance requirements, and compensation principles.

• Intermediate Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms strongly preferred.

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into meaningful insights.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment using standard business technology and equipment, requiring the ability to remain in a stationary position or move throughout the office for extended periods, with minimal physical demands in day-to-day responsibilities.

• Ability to work Mondays through Fridays with in-person office requirements for a minimum of 4 days per week, Mondays through Thursdays, located at Essex's corporate office in Irvine. Scheduling is subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion.

• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or professional development.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Detail-oriented and data-driven professional with a strong commitment to accuracy, compliance, and sound judgment, capable of analyzing data, interpreting policies, and recommending effective solutions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and professionally while delivering timely, reliable, and customer-focused support to internal stakeholders.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, working independently while collaborating effectively across HR, Finance, Payroll, and HRIS teams, with a solid understanding of company policies and procedures to drive informed decision-making.

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All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

New hires generally start between $83,000.00 - $102,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.