Strategic Pay, Reward & Benefits Leader

Government Recruitment Service; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer scheme

Job summary

The Government Recruitment Service is seeking a Head of Pay, Reward and Employee Benefits to lead a strategic, cross‑government pay and benefits portfolio in the Newcastle area. The postholder will shape policy, oversee pay remuneration, and drive employee benefits, wellbeing and recognition initiatives.

You will manage a specialist team, ensure compliance with civil service guidance, and partner with senior HR leaders, finance and external bodies to deliver value-for-money reward solutions that

Qualifications

• Experience leading pay and reward functions at senior levels.
• Knowledge of Civil Service pay controls and government guidance.
• Ability to design reward and benefits strategies aligned to organisational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of pay, reward and benefits strategy.
• Advise senior leaders on pay policy, EVp, and workforce affordability.
• Ensure reward and benefits support organisational priorities and workforce plans.
• Oversee governance, risk and assurance for pay and benefits, including payroll integrity.
• Engage with Trade Unions and cross-government reward networks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Pay policy

Pay strategy

Employee benefits

Stakeholder management

Governance

ERP systems

Tools

Synergy ERP

Job description

The Government Recruitment Service is seeking a Head of Pay, Reward and Employee Benefits to lead a strategic, cross‑government pay and benefits portfolio in the Newcastle area. The postholder will shape policy, oversee pay remuneration, and drive employee benefits, wellbeing and recognition initiatives.

You will manage a specialist team, ensure compliance with civil service guidance, and partner with senior HR leaders, finance and external bodies to deliver value-for-money reward solutions that