Strategic Reward & Benefits Leader (Hybrid)

University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave 29 days + holidays

Ride to work + EV car scheme

Job summary

University of Manchester seeks an experienced Director of Reward, Benefits & Recognition to lead the Centre of Expertise and deliver a modern, inclusive reward proposition across the university. You will shape strategy, drive improvements, and lead governance with senior stakeholders.

You will oversee job evaluation, benefits, recognition, and the annual performance cycle while ensuring competitive offers, equity, and value. The role supports hybrid working and strong external collaboration.

Qualifications

• Senior-level reward leadership experience in a large, complex and unionised organisation.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into measurable improvements while balancing long-term priorities with delivery.
• Strong people leadership and the ability to build capable, inclusive teams.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders, with excellent communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading an evidence-led reward strategy that is competitive regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Continually improving benefits and recognition, strengthening the employee value proposition and leading pensions service.
• Using data, market intelligence and KPIs to address pay gaps, equal pay and wider reward outcomes.
• Evolving job evaluation, job families and role architecture, and leading an inclusive annual performance cycle.
• Building relationships across the University and sector, leading high-performing teams with senior governance insight.

Skills

Reward leadership

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Pensions management

Job description

University of Manchester seeks an experienced Director of Reward, Benefits & Recognition to lead the Centre of Expertise and deliver a modern, inclusive reward proposition across the university. You will shape strategy, drive improvements, and lead governance with senior stakeholders.

You will oversee job evaluation, benefits, recognition, and the annual performance cycle while ensuring competitive offers, equity, and value. The role supports hybrid working and strong external collaboration.