At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and execution of compensation and benefits strategies across EMEA and the UK.
- Company: Join American Express, a leader in innovation with a strong commitment to its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping Total Rewards strategies that enhance colleague value.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in Total Rewards and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70100 - 90000 £ per year.
Job Description
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues.
From delivering differentiated products to providing world‑class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well‑being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career.
Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
How will you make an impact in this role?
Reporting to the Vice President, Compensation & Benefits EMEA, this role will lead the strategic design, governance, and execution of the company’s compensation and benefits framework across EMEA and the UK.
As a senior leader, you will shape the Total Rewards strategy to ensure programs are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with business priorities, while strengthening the overall Colleague Value Proposition.
You will also lead a team and influence senior stakeholders across the region.
Responsibilities
- Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Lead the delivery of EMEA and UK compensation strategy, including oversight of market benchmarking, pay architecture, and regulatory disclosures (e. g., UK Gender Pay Gap, Netherlands Bonus Cap), ensuring alignment with enterprise compensation philosophy, competitiveness, and compliance.
- Provide compensation advisory to business leaders, with strategic direction on annual compensation review cycles, incentive design, and reward decisions across the region.
- Define and drive the regional benefits strategy, overseeing the design, implementation, and optimization of programs (retirement, healthcare, insurance, wellbeing), ensuring alignment with workforce needs and market best practices.
- Lead the relationship with the UK pension trustees, acting as the primary interface to ensure effective governance, regulatory compliance, and alignment of pension strategy with company objectives.
- Oversee vendor strategy and governance, managing key external partners and ensuring delivery excellence, cost efficiency, and adherence to American Express standards.
- Lead the implementation of regulatory initiatives, including the EU Pay Transparency Directive, ensuring compliance and driving pay equity through analytics, reporting, and enterprise‑wide communication and change management.
- Ensure robust compliance and governance, anticipating regulatory changes and embedding controls across compensation and benefits programs to mitigate risk and maintain audit readiness.
- Own risk management and controls across total reward programs in the region including identification, assessment, testing, and remediation of risks in line with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in Total Rewards, including deep expertise in compensation, benefits and pensions across multiple European markets.
- Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing international teams and influencing at senior executive level.
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to design forward‑looking reward strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Deep knowledge of regulatory environments (pay transparency, pay equity, tax, and labor laws) across EMEA.
- Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a complex, global matrix organization.
- Demonstrated experience in leading large‑scale projects and transformation initiatives.
- Strong experience in vendor strategy and governance, including managing external partners.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex reward concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
- About The Team
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- Support for financial‑well‑being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- Free access to global on‑site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
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Director Compensation & Benefits in Burgess Hill employer: American Express
American Express is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to thrive in their careers. With a strong commitment to holistic well-being, the company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that team members can balance their personal and professional lives effectively. The opportunity for career development and mentorship within a globally recognised financial services leader makes American Express an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Compensation & Benefits in Burgess Hill
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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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Director Compensation & Benefits in Burgess Hill
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 American Express. 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 American Express 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 American Express. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to American Express'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 American Express
✨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 American Express.
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A full-time HR role at American Express 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.
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