Head of Reward & Payroll

Oakleaf Partnership; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An exceptional opportunity awaits a seasoned Head of Reward and Payroll to join a purpose-driven organization during a transformative phase. This leadership role involves shaping a modern reward strategy while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. You'll work closely with senior leaders to implement innovative reward practices, ensuring market competitiveness and compliance. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for equality and inclusion, this is your chance to make a tangible impact in a dynamic environment that values purpose, progress, and people.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior reward leadership role within a large organization.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver innovative reward strategies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive reward strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead efforts to modernise and simplify the reward landscape.

Skills

Leadership in Reward Strategy

Influencing Skills

Compensation and Benefits Knowledge

Team Development

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Degree in Human Resources or related field

Professional HR qualifications (CIPD)

Job description

An exceptional opportunity has opened up for a seasoned Head of Reward and Payroll to join a complex, purpose-led organisation during a pivotal phase of growth and change. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this is a key leadership position with the remit to shape and deliver a modern, fair, and forward-thinking reward strategy.

This role requires a resilient and strategic thinker-someone who brings a deep understanding of reward, the humility to listen, and the credibility to influence at the most senior levels. It's ideal for a leader who thrives in a demanding, values-driven environment and is confident balancing long-term thinking with practical delivery.

Key Responsibilities:
Design and implement a comprehensive reward strategy that aligns with business objectives and supports the attraction, motivation, and retention of talent.

Lead efforts to modernise and simplify the reward landscape, embedding digital tools and evolving the total reward offer.

Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders and governance stakeholders, including Remuneration Committee members and other key influencers.

Oversee the design and execution of annual incentive plans and negotiate frameworks and controls related to senior pay and benefits.

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks, while maintaining market competitiveness through benchmarking and insight.

Lead and develop a high-performing team of reward and payroll professionals, promoting a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of reward and pay practices.

What You'll Bring:

Significant experience in a senior reward leadership role within a large, complex organisation.

Proven ability to develop and deliver innovative, robust reward strategies.

Strong influencing skills, with experience working directly with executive leadership and remuneration/governance committees.

A calm, resilient approach combined with the humility and emotional intelligence to engage, listen and adapt.

In-depth knowledge of compensation, benefits, incentive design, and regulatory requirements.

Leadership Style:

Strategic and pragmatic, able to operate at both a high level and in the detail when required.

Inclusive, grounded, and collaborative-building strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Personally committed to fairness, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference within an organisation delivering at scale. Working closely with the Chief People Officer and the wider senior team, you'll play a central role in shaping reward strategy for the future-within a team that values purpose, progress, and people.