EMEA Senior Reward Manager

VML; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Reward Manager to join their EMEA People team. This role involves acting as a strategic advisor on reward strategies, managing stakeholder relationships, and overseeing cyclical compensation activities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment and leverage data to provide insights for talent attraction and retention. With a focus on collaboration and optimization of benefits offerings, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact across diverse markets. Join a forward-thinking firm that values innovation and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships across multiple countries.
• Proficiency in modeling bonus outcomes and manipulating large data sets.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to CPOs and HRBPs on reward strategy.
• Support management of short-term and long-term incentive plans.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Data Analysis

Cultural Sensitivity

Bonus Modeling

Excel Proficiency

Tools

HRIS Systems (Workday)

Job description

Join to apply for the EMEA Senior Reward Manager role at VML.

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a Senior Reward Manager to join our EMEA People team. Reporting to the EMEA Total Rewards Director, you will focus on strategic projects and partnering with the business, alongside cyclical compensation activities. The ideal candidate is experienced in reward management and comfortable working in a fluid environment where some structures are not yet in place.

What You'll Be Doing

Project & Advisory

• Act as a strategic advisor & partner to CPOs, HRBPs, and CFOs across the region, guiding reward strategy to attract and retain top talent.
• Utilize salary data to provide benchmarks and package recommendations for senior hires.
• Collaborate with the Total Reward Director on new bonus & commission models.
• Partner with global Reward colleagues on VML and WPP-wide projects, including the EU Pay Transparency project.
• Support acquired businesses during earn-out periods to ensure smooth transition to WT ways of working.
• Review and optimize benefits offerings across the region to align with WT Global People Strategy.
• Advise on mobility matters such as remote working, transfers, and distributed work cases.
• Coordinate with Finance on reward implications of new operating procedures.
• Improve availability and utilization of benchmark data across markets.

Cyclical & Regular Reward Activities

• Support management of short-term incentive plans, including eligibility, targets, communication, and payout calculations.
• Assist with long-term incentive plans, including stock-based schemes.
• Manage bi-annual salary review processes, including policy adherence, partner collaboration, and implementation tracking.
• Provide data analysis and insights for reward decisions and other people-related processes.
• Handle approval processes for senior hires, out-of-cycle increases, and counter-offers.
• Support daily reward activities, including new hire processing, benchmarking, and survey submissions.

What You'll Need

• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to build and maintain trusted partnerships quickly.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability across diverse countries.
• Experience managing reward cycles across multiple countries.
• Proficiency in modeling bonus outcomes and manipulating large data sets.
• Familiarity with leading salary surveys (e.g., Mercer, Radford, WTW).
• Understanding of job leveling and evaluation methodologies.
• Experience with benefits management and HRIS systems like Workday.
• Advantageous: experience in the technology sector.
• Advanced Excel skills with keen attention to detail.

We support a hybrid working approach, with teams in the office approximately four days a week. Flexibility and accommodations can be discussed during the interview process.

VML is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.