Head of Reward Governance & Exec Compensation

Aztec Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Greater London is seeking a Head of Reward Governance and Executive Compensation to lead the design and governance of executive compensation frameworks. The role requires extensive experience in executive compensation and a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and communication skills. This position offers the opportunity to influence remuneration strategies and provide leadership continuity within a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

In-house training for professional qualifications

Close working relationships with colleagues and clients

Qualifications

• Proven experience preparing and presenting to Remuneration Committees or Boards.
• Understanding of remuneration governance and regulatory frameworks in the UK and US.
• Experience in managing executive lifecycle events.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and governance of executive compensation frameworks.
• Manage executive joiner and leaver processes.
• Develop and maintain remuneration policies aligned with strategy.
• Ensure compliance with remuneration regulations.
• Oversee the governance of equity-based compensation.

Skills

Extensive experience in executive compensation

Analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder management skills

Education

Professional certifications (e.g. CIPD, WorldatWork GRP, ICSA)

Tools

Share plan platforms

Governance tools

Job description

Overview

Head of Reward Governance and Executive Compensation

Reports to the Head of Reward and Performance

In this role you will lead the design, governance, and delivery of executive compensation and equity plans, ensuring alignment with business strategy, regulatory compliance, and Remuneration Committee (RemCo) requirements. This role also acts as Deputy to the Head of Reward & Performance, providing leadership continuity and strategic support.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the design, implementation, and governance of executive compensation frameworks, including fixed pay, variable pay, and benefits.
• Manage executive joiner and leaver processes, including offer structuring, buyouts, exit arrangements, and disclosures.
• Develop and maintain remuneration policies aligned with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and market best practices.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to ensure compliance with remuneration regulations (e.g., CRD V, UK Corporate Governance Code, SEC rules).
• Oversee the design and governance of equity-based compensation.
• Ensure alignment of Share Plans with long-term business strategy and shareholder expectations.
• Collaborate with the Reward Analyst to manage operational delivery of share plan grants, vesting, and reporting.
• Monitor tax, legal, and regulatory developments impacting equity compensation across jurisdictions.
• Lead the preparation of Remuneration Committee (RemCo) materials, including papers, data packs, and policy updates.
• Track and manage RemCo actions, ensuring timely execution and documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date remuneration governance frameworks, including group and local remuneration policies, compliance registers, and audit readiness.
• Act as the primary liaison with Legal, Company Secretariat, and external advisors on executive pay and governance matters.
• Serve as Deputy to the Head of Reward, representing the function in senior leadership forums and decision-making bodies as needed.
• Provide strategic input into reward planning and policy development.
• Support team leadership and mentor junior colleagues.

What we're looking for

• Extensive experience in executive compensation and equity plans across multiple jurisdictions.
• Understanding of remuneration governance and regulatory frameworks in the UK and US.
• Proven experience preparing and presenting to Remuneration Committees or Boards.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in managing executive lifecycle events (e.g. onboarding, exits, contractual changes).
• Professional certifications (e.g. CIPD, WorldatWork GRP, ICSA) preferred.
• Familiarity with share plan platforms and governance tools.

We will provide the training, both in-house for relevant technical knowledge and also for professional qualifications to enhance your ability to provide sound accountancy services. You will need to be quick to learn new systems and great with people, as we value close working relationships with colleagues, clients and business contacts.