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- Tasks: Lead and transform the Reward & Payroll function for a major infrastructure programme.
- Company: Join a high-profile organisation driving significant change in public governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful work, and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while navigating complex political landscapes and engaging with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic reward within large organisations, ideally with public sector exposure.
- Other info: Frequent travel to Birmingham required; ideal for those seeking a transformative leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced Reward professional to shape and evolve a critical function within one of Europe's most high-profile infrastructure programmes. With transformation underway, a new CEO in post, and a clear strategic reset, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact at scale.
You will lead the Reward & Payroll agenda, moving away from a consultancy-led model to build a credible, future-fit internal capability. This is not just a technical reward role: it is about driving change, navigating political nuance, and influencing key stakeholders across government, unions, and executive leadership.
What You Will Be Doing- Lead & Transform the Reward & Payroll function to reflect private sector best practices within public governance frameworks.
- Advise at the Top: Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee, RemCo, and wider HR leadership on pay, policy, and strategy.
- Drive Strategy: Develop and embed a long-term, sustainable reward approach aligned with future capability and cultural goals.
- Navigate Complexity: Balance ambition with accountability, ensuring compliance with public sector expectations while delivering innovation.
- Engage Stakeholders: Build and maintain strong relationships with unions, government departments, and senior internal stakeholders.
- A strong track record in strategic reward, with demonstrable experience delivering impact in large, complex organisations.
- Private sector grounding, ideally in technical, commercial, or infrastructure-led businesses.
- Experience working in highly scrutinised environments, ideally with union engagement and public/government oversight.
- The ability to influence at Board level and operate confidently in politically sensitive settings.
- A collaborative, resilient leadership style, capable of shifting gears and leading change through ambiguity and bureaucracy.
- Strategic, but hands-on: Able to shape high-level thinking while rolling up their sleeves to deliver.
- Politically sharp: Understands the sensitivities of operating in a public-facing, government-involved environment.
- Commercially grounded: Brings private sector insight to public sector challenges.
- Credible and humble: Builds trust and influence without ego or the need to consult.
- Curious and adaptable: Open to learning, pivoting, and finding creative solutions.
If you are ready to take on a transformative leadership challenge in a complex, high-profile setting and help shape the future of a nationally significant project, we would love to hear from you.
Head of Reward and Payroll (London) in City of London employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Contact Detail:
Oakleaf Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reward and Payroll (London) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in reward and payroll management, especially within public sector frameworks. Understanding how private sector practices can be adapted to meet public governance expectations will give you a competitive edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in navigating complex environments involving unions and government oversight. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for transforming the Reward & Payroll function. Think about specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders and driven change in similar settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to balance ambition with accountability. Be ready to articulate how you would ensure compliance while still pushing for innovative solutions that align with the organisation's cultural goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward and Payroll (London) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in strategic reward and payroll management. Focus on your achievements in large, complex organisations and any relevant private sector experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to influence at Board level and navigate politically sensitive environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've driven change in previous roles.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Highlight your experience in building relationships with unions, government departments, and senior stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged these groups in past roles.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Illustrate your strategic mindset by discussing how you've developed and implemented long-term reward strategies. Mention any innovative solutions you've introduced that align with organisational goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Understand the Role's Complexity
Make sure you grasp the multifaceted nature of the Head of Reward and Payroll position. Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate the complexities of public governance while implementing private sector best practices.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
Demonstrate your ability to think strategically about reward systems. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and implemented long-term reward strategies in previous roles, especially in complex organisations.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders, including unions and government departments. Share specific instances where your influence led to positive outcomes in politically sensitive environments.
✨Exhibit a Collaborative Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, particularly how you lead through ambiguity and bureaucracy. Highlight your ability to be hands-on while also shaping high-level strategies, showcasing your adaptability and resilience.
