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- 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 a top-rated workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, gym membership, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on talent retention and motivation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in reward strategy and compliance is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a strong team culture and career growth opportunities.
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 ‘rolling up your sleeves’ and 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 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 the 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)
- 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
- Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
- Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
- And much, much more!
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 Management Limited
Contact Detail:
AJ Bell Management 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 a referral, which is a great way to get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview 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. Tailor your examples to highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The more proactive you are, the better your chances of landing that dream role as Head of Reward.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for AJ Bell.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward in Manchester
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 these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve contributed to talent management and employee engagement.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received properly and allows us to process it more efficiently. Plus, you’ll get a feel for our company culture while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell Management 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 Technical Questions
Expect questions around market benchmarking, compliance, and incentive plan design. Brush up on UK FCA regulations and the Corporate Governance Code. Being able to articulate your knowledge in these areas will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
AJ Bell is looking for someone who can operate at a strategic level. Prepare examples from your past where you've developed or implemented successful reward strategies that aligned with business objectives. Highlight your ability to partner with senior management and drive employee engagement.
✨Engage with Their Culture
AJ Bell prides itself on its friendly working environment and strong sense of teamwork. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaboration and how you can contribute to their culture. Share experiences that reflect your ability to build connections and work effectively within a team.
