UK&I Reward Lead

Page Executive; Nottingham; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a UK&I Reward Lead to develop and implement comprehensive reward strategies aligned with European frameworks. The role involves managing competitive compensation programs, employee benefits, and ensuring alignment with talent agendas. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in reward management, with strong strategic thinking and analytical skills. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual cash bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Reward professional with compensation and benefits background.
• Experience in creating effective Sales Incentive Plans.
• Demonstrable ability to think strategically about reward linking to talent agendas.
• Comfortable operating within a dynamic and matrix organizational structure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement reward strategies for the UK & Ireland business.
• Design and manage competitive compensation programs.
• Oversee employee benefits and wellbeing programs design.
• Manage vendor relationships related to reward and benefits.
• Partner with Talent Management team to support diversity initiatives.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Tools

Workday HRIS

Job description

• Lead the Reward agenda for the UK&I entity of a global NASDAQ listed business.
• Report into the Regional VP of HR to drive the C&B agenda in a 360 role.

About Our Client

This opportunity is with a large organisation in the financial services industry, known for its strong market presence and innovative approach. The company values expertise in human resources and provides a supportive environment for career growth.

Job Description

As UK&I Reward Lead you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving reward excellence across the UK & Ireland business, a key part of our client's broader European operations. As their Reward Leader, you will be instrumental in establishing best-in-class reward practices, forging a forward-thinking and solution-oriented partnership with the business to fuel future growth and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership, build a market-leading reward function, and make a significant impact on the success.

With a comprehensive remit encompassing compensation, benefits, and wellbeing, you will enjoy genuine depth and breadth in your responsibilities. Supporting the substantial UK & Ireland business, you will lead the full spectrum of reward activities, designing and implementing effective Sales Incentive Plans and managing our Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme. You will also be responsible for optimizing vendor relationships and harmonising pay scales and bonus frameworks. Furthermore, you will contribute to executive compensation matters, including equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIP), and champion the creation of progressive wellbeing policies.

The overarching focus of this role is to instil rigor and best practice within our compensation framework. This involves defining and embedding what "good" looks like through genuine collaboration with the wider business.

This is not a role focused on routine annual cycles; rather, it demands a strategic and innovative mindset, a fresh perspective on continuous improvement, and ensuring a strategic overlay to all reward initiatives. This includes proactively monitoring and working towards closing the gender pay gap and linking the reward strategy with talent agendas.

You will be key in translating the talent agenda into tangible reward practices that leaders understand and can effectively implement. Your primary challenge will be prioritisation, focusing on the high-impact initiatives that will deliver the most significant results.

As an individual contributor, you will collaborate closely with Finance and Procurement, and operate as a trusted partner to the President, Senior Finance Officer, and General Counsel, as well as the wider HR team.

What you'll do

• Develop and implement comprehensive reward strategies, policies, and programs for the UK & Ireland business, aligned with the overall European and global reward frameworks.
• Partner closely with business leaders and HR colleagues to understand business needs and translate them into effective reward solutions that attract, retain, and motivate talent.
• Design and manage competitive compensation programs, including base pay structures, short-term and long-term incentive plans, and develop and implement effective Sales Incentive Plans.
• Lead the design and implementation of relevant benefits initiatives.
• Lead the harmonisation of pay scales and bonus frameworks across the UK & Ireland business.
• Oversee the design and administration of employee benefits and wellbeing programs, ensuring they are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with employee needs.
• Manage vendor relationships related to reward and benefits, ensuring optimal service delivery and value for money.
• Contribute to the development and administration of executive compensation programs, including equity and LTIP incentives, and support the preparation of materials for the Remuneration Committee.
• Proactively monitor and analyze reward trends and best practices, recommending and implementing changes as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements related to compensation and benefits.
• Partner with the Talent Management team to ensure the reward strategy supports and advances our diversity and inclusion goals, including proactively addressing the gender pay gap.
• Develop effective communication strategies to ensure employees understand our reward programs and their value.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to HR and business leaders on all reward-related matters.
• Instill discipline and best practice in compensation management across the organisation.
• Drive continuous improvement in reward processes and systems.

The Successful Applicant

A successful UK&I Reward Lead should have:

• Proven experience as a Reward professional with a strong and broad compensation and benefits background.
• Demonstrable experience in creating and implementing effective Sales Incentive Plans.
• Experience in designing and implementing employee benefit programs.
• Demonstrable ability to think strategically and holistically about how reward links to the broader talent agenda.
• Comfortable operating effectively within a dynamic and matrix organisational structure.
• Experience navigating complex business environments.
• Ideally, some exposure to an international remit, although not essential.

What could set you apart:

• Experience working within an FCA-regulated environment, such as banking or another credit bureau.
• Experience with Workday HRIS.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and provide meaningful insights.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach with a passion for driving positive change.

What's on Offer

The successful UK&I Reward Lead will receive a competitive salary, annual cash bonus and associated benefits. If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge, we encourage you to apply and join a supportive and forward-thinking environment.