At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a competitive reward strategy and manage executive remuneration.
- Company: Join AJ Bell, a fast-growing investment platform with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised as one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For'.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on talent management and employee engagement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in reward strategy and strong analytical skills required.
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.
- 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 £***** 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 ****, 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 **** 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 ****. 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 would love to speak to you.
Head of Reward in Manchester employer: AJ Bell
AJ Bell is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and tailored learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The company’s commitment to inclusivity and its recognition as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For make it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the finance sector.
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 insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching AJ Bell's culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their reward strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to reward management and executive remuneration. We want to see that you can articulate your strategies clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the AJ Bell team.
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. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your voice come across!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at AJ Bell.
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell
✨Know Your Reward Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into AJ Bell's current reward strategy. Understand their approach to base pay, incentives, and benefits. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Executive Remuneration Questions
Given the focus on executive pay, be ready to discuss your experience with designing and managing long-term incentive plans and annual bonus schemes. Bring examples of how you've successfully navigated complex remuneration issues in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Market Benchmarking Insights
Familiarise yourself with recent trends in market benchmarking and salary surveys. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how these insights can help AJ Bell maintain competitive and equitable reward structures. This shows that you’re proactive and understand the importance of aligning compensation with market standards.
✨Engage with Their Culture
AJ Bell prides itself on a friendly working environment and strong teamwork. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their culture and how you can contribute to it. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and engagement in previous roles, as this will resonate well with their values.
