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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive reward strategy in a growing financial services firm.
- Company: Join a respected and expanding financial services institution with a focus on governance and compliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and long-term incentives in a stable, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape high-impact reward strategies while influencing senior stakeholders in a high-profile leadership role.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in senior reward roles within financial services is essential; degree and CIPD preferred.
- Other info: This is a rare opportunity to own and shape a total reward strategy at the highest level.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
We're Hiring: Head of Reward for a fantastic Financial Services business
Are you a reward leader with deep expertise in executive compensation, incentive design, and governance? Ready to shape a high-impact reward strategy in a respected and growing Financial Services institution? This role offers something different as the business is growing and adding different business streams.
We are seeking a Head of Reward to lead the total reward agenda for a strategically important and well-regulated organisation. This is a high-profile leadership position that combines technical depth with strategic influence. You will operate at enterprise level, partnering with senior stakeholders—including the Remuneration Committee (RemCo) and shareholder representatives—to ensure the organisation’s reward frameworks are fair, competitive, and aligned with long-term objectives.
As the most senior reward specialist, you will lead a small but expert team and be responsible for designing and delivering a cohesive reward strategy across base pay, bonus structures, pensions, benefits, LTIPs, and carried interest arrangements. You’ll also manage the governance and compliance required in a regulated Financial Services environment, ensuring alignment with frameworks such as the PRA/FCA remuneration codes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation, and evolution of a comprehensive reward strategy
- Act as principal adviser to the RemCo,
- Own and lead all cyclical reward activities,
- Design and govern carried interest schemes and long-term incentive plans in line with best practice,
- Oversee statutory remuneration reporting,
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (e.g. under PRA/FCA regimes),
- Manage the full lifecycle of employee benefits, including broker management and vendor relationships.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Reward team to ensure technical capability, commercial awareness, and continuous improvement.
- Support broader transformation, organisational design, and workforce strategy through aligned reward initiatives.
- Maintain strong working relationships across the business
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience in a senior reward role within the Financial Services sector (essential).
- Proven track record in executive remuneration, LTIPs, carried interest, and regulated pay structures.
- Strong technical knowledge in compensation strategy, reward analytics, and governance.
- Demonstrated ability to influence at Board, ExCo, and RemCo level, with gravitas and professionalism.
- Experience managing statutory disclosures and aligning with shareholder/government frameworks.
- Degree qualified; CIPD or reward-specific qualifications preferred.
Why Apply?
- High-profile, influential leadership role with strategic exposure.
- A high-integrity working culture with clear governance.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and long-term incentive opportunities.
- A stable, collaborative environment where you’ll shape how the organisation attracts, retains, and rewards its talent.
If you're a reward professional looking for a strategic challenge in a formal and respected Financial Services institution, we encourage you to apply. This is a rare opportunity to own and shape a total reward strategy at the highest level.
Head of Reward employer: Bruin
Contact Detail:
Bruin Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reward
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Financial Services sector, especially those who have experience in reward management. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in executive compensation and governance.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory frameworks that govern remuneration in the Financial Services industry, such as the PRA and FCA codes. This knowledge will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading reward strategies and managing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and contributed to organisational success through effective reward management.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and culture to align your approach during interviews. Understanding our mission and how we operate will help you articulate how your vision for the reward strategy can complement our goals and contribute to a high-integrity working environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in senior reward roles, particularly within the Financial Services sector. Emphasise your proven track record in executive remuneration and governance to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for shaping reward strategies and your ability to influence at high levels such as the Board and RemCo. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your expertise in incentive design and compliance.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly mention any relevant qualifications, such as CIPD or other reward-specific certifications, in both your CV and cover letter. This will help establish your credibility and suitability for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, be sure to highlight your experience in leading and developing teams. Discuss how you have coached others in the past and contributed to their professional growth, which aligns with the responsibilities of managing a small expert team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bruin
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in executive compensation and incentive design. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented reward strategies in previous roles, especially within the Financial Services sector.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the PRA/FCA remuneration codes and other relevant regulations. Be ready to discuss how you have ensured compliance in past positions and how you would approach governance in this role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Influence
Prepare to discuss your experience influencing senior stakeholders, including Board and RemCo members. Use examples that showcase your ability to communicate complex reward strategies clearly and persuasively.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a leader of a small expert team, it's crucial to demonstrate your coaching and development skills. Share instances where you've successfully led a team through change or improvement, highlighting your commitment to continuous development.
