[Hiring] Manager, Variable Compensation @AECOM

Role Description

The Manager, Variable Compensation will play a critical role in supporting AECOM’s global variable compensation programs, with a strong focus on data management, reporting, process execution, and technology driven innovation. While this is a manager level role, it is an individual contributor position with significant influence across HR, Finance, and the business.

This role is ideal for someone who is naturally curious, highly analytical, comfortable with complex datasets, and passionate about leveraging technology, automation, and AI to improve efficiency and enhance program delivery. The Manager will partner closely with senior leadership, including Global Rewards leadership, to support bottoms up modeling processes, variable compensation cycles, and executive level reporting.

The successful candidate will question existing processes, seek better ways to operate, and bring forward innovative ideas that enhance accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency across the full lifecycle of variable compensation programs.

This position will be remote and based in Arlington, VA.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Management & Process Execution
  • Support and execute major components of the annual bottoms‑up planning cycle and VC Phase II processes.
  • Manage multi‑step, recurring processes involving data consolidation, validation, approvals, and reporting.
  • Create and maintain process documentation, calendars, workflow maps, and audit trails.
  • Coordinate deadlines, deliverables, and communications across HR, Finance, and business stakeholders.
• Data Management & Reporting
  • Consolidate, clean, validate, and structure data from multiple systems and sources.
  • Prepare datasets for downstream systems, including Workday and internal compensation tools.
  • Build and maintain dashboards, KPIs, and analytics for senior executives.
  • Translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
  • Ensure high data integrity, consistent validation, and adherence to governance standards.
• Technology, Automation & AI Utilization
  • Develop workflows, automation, and data connectivity using tools such as: Power Query, Power BI, Power Automate, SharePoint (lists, data structures, automation integrations).
  • Regularly use AI agents (e.g., Copilot‑style tools) to troubleshoot data issues, draft or refine technical queries or logic, and accelerate learning and process optimization.
  • Apply AI‑enabled functionality in reporting, modeling, or vendor tools to improve accuracy, speed, and insight generation.
  • Identify, propose, and lead implementation of technology‑driven enhancements to existing processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Partner with HRBPs, Finance teams, Total Rewards colleagues, and business leaders to support program delivery and address data, modeling, or process questions.
  • Prepare executive‑level materials and presentations to communicate results, trends, and recommendations.
  • Build strong collaborative relationships and serve as a trusted subject‑matter partner.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Challenge the status quo and identify opportunities for process simplification, automation, or redesign.
  • Bring forward new ideas and prototypes to strengthen quality, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Support Global Rewards leadership in long‑term enhancements to AECOM’s variable compensation processes and tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or related field + at least 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Demonstrated experience in program management, operations, analytics, or systems‑heavy roles.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as the Microsoft Power Platform (Power Query, Power BI, Power Automate) and SharePoint, including list design, permissions, and workflow integrations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to manage, consolidate, and validate complex data.
• Experience using AI tools for troubleshooting, learning, or augmenting analysis.
• Strong communication skills, including ability to produce executive‑ready presentations and dashboards.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and data governance.

Requirements

• Experience using AI in more advanced applications, such as data modeling, forecasting, or within HR, Compensation, or Finance processes.
• Familiarity with Workday or other HRIS processes.
• Experience supporting compensation, rewards, financial modeling, or other cyclical People programs.
• Exposure to global or large, matrixed organizational environments.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits.
• Paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits.
• Perks, flexible work options, well-being resources.
• Employee assistance program, business travel insurance.
• Service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.