Strategic Head of Pay, Rewards & Benefits

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA); Exeter; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Head of Pay, Reward and Employee Benefits at DEFRA leads the development and delivery of an integrated pay, reward and employee benefits strategy, ensuring compliance with civil service guidance while supporting attraction, retention and workforce performance.

This senior role provides expert leadership across pay policy, pay strategy, reward frameworks, recognition and financial wellbeing, building relationships with senior HR, Finance, Trade Unions and government partners.

Qualifications

• Experience leading pay and reward strategy in a complex public sector or large organisation.
• Strong track record advising senior leaders on reward and pay policy.
• Ability to manage cross-government stakeholder relationships and unions.
• Proven governance, risk and assurance for payroll and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of pay, reward and benefits strategy.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on reward and affordability.
• Ensure governance and compliance for pay and benefits activity.
• Oversee pay award processes and pay remit submissions.
• Oversee a robust assurance and testing regime for pay accuracy, including controls and defect management.
• Build and maintain relationships with external suppliers and service providers.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Pay policy

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

People management

Governance and compliance

Tools

Synergy ERP

Job description

The Head of Pay, Reward and Employee Benefits at DEFRA leads the development and delivery of an integrated pay, reward and employee benefits strategy, ensuring compliance with civil service guidance while supporting attraction, retention and workforce performance.

This senior role provides expert leadership across pay policy, pay strategy, reward frameworks, recognition and financial wellbeing, building relationships with senior HR, Finance, Trade Unions and government partners.