Head of Reward in London

Head of Reward in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) On-site
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development and management of AJ Bell's reward strategy, including pay and benefits.
  • Company: Join AJ Bell, a fast-growing investment platform and one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, pension schemes, and health perks.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with a strong sense of teamwork and community.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on talent attraction and retention in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in reward strategy and executive remuneration is essential.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Reward to join AJ Bell as part of the HR team based in Manchester. As Head of Reward, you will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of AJ Bell’s reward strategy. This will include base pay, incentives, benefits and executive remuneration, ensuring alignment with business objectives, UK FCA regulatory requirements, and market best practices.

This new role will give you the opportunity to operate at a strategic level alongside, and get into the detail, partnering closely with the HR Director, senior management, RemCo and Board to support the attraction, motivation, and retention of AJ Bell’s talent.

Responsibilities

  • Reward strategy development: you will work with the HR Director and other members of the Executive Committee to develop and deliver a competitive and compliant reward strategy, supporting business performance and long-term value creation, talent management and employee engagement.
  • Executive remuneration: taking the lead on all matters related to exec pay, including supporting with the design and management of long-term incentive plans (LTIPs), annual bonus schemes, and all other senior reward arrangements. You will also support with the preparation of recommendations for the Remuneration Committee and ensure effective disclosure in line with UK Corporate Governance Code and Listing Rules.
  • Market benchmarking: oversee regular market benchmarking, salary surveys, and analysis to ensure all reward structures remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with corporate goals. The role will also involve advising on salary and benefits positioning across all levels within the organisation.
  • Incentives & recognition: you will design, deliver, and communicate incentive plans and recognition programmes that drive a high-performance culture and support AJ Bell’s purpose, principles and strategy.
  • Reward governance & compliance: Ensure all reward policies and practices comply with relevant legislation and regulations. You will also liaise with external auditors as needed. The Head of Reward also plays an active role in the preparation of the annual remuneration report and relevant disclosures for the annual report and accounts.
  • Employee share plans: you will oversee our Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and employee share ownership schemes (e.g. our Free Shares Award plan and CSOPs).
  • Benefits management: responsible for our employee benefits proposition, e.g. pensions (including relevant AJ Bell products and services), healthcare and life assurance, you will ensure a competitive and cost-effective benefits provision, working with external providers and brokers as appropriate. You will also ensure that our proposition is communicated effectively to all employees throughout the year.

About us

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 644,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £103.3 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company. Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK’s 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2025 named a Great Place to Work®.

At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.

Our perks and benefits

  • Competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme
  • Starting holiday entitlement of 28 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service plus a holiday buy and sell scheme
  • A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8% (9% after 2 years)
  • Death in service scheme
  • Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
  • Annual Free Shares Award Scheme
  • PMI
  • Health Cash Plan
  • Free gym membership
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
  • Paid time off for volunteer work
  • Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
  • Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
  • Professional qualification support
  • And much, much more!

Hybrid working

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That’s why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we’d love to speak to you.

Head of Reward in London employer: AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED

AJ Bell is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your contributions directly impact growth and transformation initiatives. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have ample opportunities to mentor junior staff and enhance your skills while working in a dynamic environment that values strategic thinking and creativity. Located in a vibrant area, AJ Bell offers a supportive atmosphere that encourages meaningful engagement and professional advancement.

A

Contact Details:

AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Reward in London

✨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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED!

✨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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward in London

Reward Strategy Development
Executive Remuneration Management
Market Benchmarking
Incentive Plan Design
Benefits Management
Compliance with UK FCA Regulations
Stakeholder Engagement

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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED. 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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED 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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED'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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED

✨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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED.

✨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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED 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 AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.