Strategic Pay & Reward Specialist

Morgan Law; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable London Council is seeking a Strategic Pay & Reward Specialist to shape policies and lead initiatives on pay and recognition. This permanent role requires substantial experience in the public sector with a focus on pay transformation and stakeholder engagement. You will drive changes that influence how 5,000 employees are rewarded in a hybrid work environment, promoting inclusion and equity. The role is critical for supporting a high-performing public service amidst organizational change.

Benefits

Hybrid work model

Annual JNC benefit of £2,724

Qualifications

• Must have experience in a complex, unionised organisation.
• Proven track record in reward transformation.
• Ability to navigate trade union engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for pay and reward strategies.
• Lead the review of pay and grading initiatives.
• Partner with trade unions on pay negotiations.

Skills

Senior-level pay and reward experience

Strong technical knowledge of job evaluation

Stakeholder management skills

Ability to manage multiple workstreams

Excellent communication skills

Solutions-focused mindset

Job description

Job Title: Strategic Pay & Reward Specialist
Location: London region
Salary: £59,526 – £74,040 per annum
JNC benefit: £2,724 per annum

Closing Date: 11th January 2026
Interview Date: 26th January 2026

We are supporting a fantastic London Council in their search for a Strategic Pay & Reward Specialist.

Are you ready to redefine how pay, reward, and recognition work, within an organisation undergoing broad changes with big aspirations? This organisation are driving forward an ambitious people strategy to support a high-performing, inclusive, and modern public service.

Details of the job are below but to be considered your CV must demonstrate the following:

1. Senior-level pay and reward experience within a complex, unionised organisation in the UK Public Sector
2. Strong technical knowledge of job evaluation, pay legislation, and reward frameworks
3. Experience advising on or leading pay negotiations and workforce consultation
4. Ability to operate credibly at senior officer level

Vision

• Transform Shape the future of our pay, reward, and benefits, influencing how 5,000 employees are recognised and valued
• Lead Play a key role in successfully delivering our reward projects, business as usual and implementing the outcome of a pay and reward review, aligned with the replacement of our ERP
• Drive cultural change Be part of a proudly diverse, anti-racist, and inclusive organisation committed to equity and transparency in everything we do.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Pay and Reward Specialist to lead the reward portfolio. You’ll be at the heart of shaping policy, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring the people strategy underpins the success of the councils strategic plan.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for pay, performance management, benefits, and reward strategies across the Council
• Lead the review of pay and grading and non-financial recognition initiatives
• Ensure the effective application of reward policies including market supplements, recruitment and retention initiatives, incremental progression, and allowances, including additional duties and acting up payments
• Partner with trade unions and senior HR leaders on pay negotiations and workforce consultation
• Drive the integration of pay and reward principles within the ERP implementation, improving governance and sustainability
• Conduct research, pay bench marking, and lead policy development to shape evidence-based recommendations
• Champion equality, inclusion, and transparency across all pay and reward practices
• Lead and inspire a small, high-impact team delivering complex change at scale

About you

You have a proven track record in reward transformation and systems implementation, ideally within Local Government or a similar large, complex unionised organisation. You bring:

• Deep expertise in pay and reward design, job evaluation, and related employment law
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with confidence navigating trade union engagement and pay negotiations, along with influencing senior leadership discussions and decisions
• A solutions-focused, proactive mindset with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a dynamic environment
• Demonstrable ability to build trust with trade unions, HR colleagues and key partners
• A commitment to driving fairness, innovation, and inclusion in everything you deliver
• Strong communication, planning, and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, and a employee-focused mindset
• Proactivity, enthusiasm, and professionalism, with a passion for improving pay and reward.

This is a permanent role based in London working to a hybrid arrangement of 2 days onsite and 3 from home.