At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in shaping Reward Operations for a global aerospace leader.
- Company: Join Airbus, a pioneer in aerospace with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in HR while making a real impact on employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and expertise in payroll compliance required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check).
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Some travel within UK and international.
LOCATION: Broughton
TYPE: Full time
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, various optional salary sacrifice benefits, shopping discounts and much more.
- Work / Life Balance: 35 hour week, option to buy/sell holiday.
- Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing: Bupa health insurance (including assisted fertility treatments and gender dysphoria & reassignment support), wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), discounted family health/dental insurance/eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime yoga/meditation.
- Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption/shared parental/caregiving leave, purpose built maternity rooms on site.
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity).
Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?
The Opportunity
Are you a visionary HR leader ready to shape the future of Reward Operations for a global aerospace pioneer? This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing team within the Airbus Reward Centre of Excellence.
As the Head of Reward Operations – UK, you will hold a significant leadership scope, managing a team of 30 professionals and overseeing services for approximately 13,000 employees. This role offers a unique blend of transnational collaboration and real autonomy, allowing you to drive strategic innovation while ensuring operational excellence across our UK divisions.
You will lead a dynamic, transnational team currently pioneering the integration of AI into payroll workflows—offering you a front-row seat to the digital transformation of HR. This role sits at the heart of our UK operations, providing a direct link between global strategy and local employee experience.
How You Will Contribute to the Team
- Strategic Leadership: Act as the UK lead for the Reward Operations organization, setting a meaningful vision and objectives for your team of 30 that align with the wider Airbus strategy.
- Service Excellence: Ensure the seamless delivery of Payroll, Time, and Personal Administration services across six Airbus businesses, maintaining full legal and regulatory compliance (including GDPR).
- Innovation & Digitalization: Lead the implementation of AI and data-driven solutions to optimize costs, eliminate non-added-value activities, and enhance the employee experience.
- Transnational Harmonization: Foster alignment between UK operations and global Reward standards, driving standardization while consulting the UK HR community as a trusted partner.
About You
- Senior HR Leadership: Proven track record in a senior leadership position managing large-scale HR or Reward operational teams (30+ people).
- Technical Compliance: Expert knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax regulations, and regulatory compliance.
- Systems & Data: Advanced proficiency in HRIS/HCM systems (SAP and Workday are highly advantageous) with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Project Management: Extensive experience leading significant organizational projects and change management initiatives.
Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company: Airbus Operations Limited
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Professional
Job Family: Leadership
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Head of Reward Operations employer: Airbus
Airbus in Brize Norton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Ground Support Systems team. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive personal development plans, and opportunities for growth in a cutting-edge aerospace environment, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to vital projects like the A400M Program.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reward Operations
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Airbus!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Airbus.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Airbus. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Airbus and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Airbus. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Airbus's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Airbus.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Airbus will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Airbus and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
