Head of Reward in Manchester

Head of Reward in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health plans, and professional development support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on talent attraction and retention in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in reward strategy and strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on teamwork and employee well-being.

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

We are 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 while also getting 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.

What you will do:

  • 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 executive 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 Manchester employer: AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED

AJ Bell is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Manchester that prioritises teamwork and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the company's success as a leading investment platform. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making AJ Bell a truly rewarding place to build your career.
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Contact Detail:

AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at AJ Bell. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching AJ Bell’s culture and values. Show us how you align with our mission and how your experience can contribute to our reward strategy. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past achievements and how they relate to the Head of Reward role. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and hands-on experience in reward management.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the AJ Bell team.

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

Reward Strategy Development
Executive Remuneration Management
Market Benchmarking
Incentive Plan Design
Benefits Management
Compliance with UK FCA Regulations
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Project Management
Employee Share Plans Oversight
Collaboration with HR and Executive Committee
Preparation of Remuneration Reports
Understanding of Corporate Governance Code

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Reward role. Highlight your experience in developing reward strategies and managing executive remuneration, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've contributed to talent management and employee engagement in a measurable way.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining AJ Bell!

How to prepare for a job interview at AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED

✨Know Your Reward Strategy

Before the interview, dive deep into AJ Bell's current reward strategy. Familiarise yourself with their compensation structures, benefits, and any recent changes in executive remuneration. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Prepare for Market Benchmarking Questions

Expect questions about market benchmarking and salary surveys. Brush up on the latest trends in compensation and benefits within the financial services sector. Being able to discuss how you would approach benchmarking and ensure competitive pay will impress the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge

Given the importance of compliance in this role, be ready to discuss relevant legislation and regulations affecting reward practices. Highlight any past experiences where you've ensured compliance or dealt with regulatory bodies, as this will demonstrate your capability in managing governance effectively.

✨Engage with Their Culture

AJ Bell prides itself on a strong team culture and employee engagement. Be prepared to share examples of how you've fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles. Discussing your approach to incentives and recognition programmes will resonate well with their values.

Head of Reward in Manchester
AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Location: Manchester
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