At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative reward strategies to attract and support colleagues at Cafcass.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a vital organisation supporting children and families in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in total reward and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Develop a total reward offer that helps Cafcass attract, retain and support colleagues. At Cafcass, our work supports children and families at some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives, and the experience and support we provide for colleagues is central to how well we deliver that purpose. This is an exciting time to join a HR department which is on a positive journey of change and development, with supporting children and families at the heart of everything it does.
As Strategic Reward Manager, you will work with the Head of Reward and Wellbeing, Chief People Officer and HR Leadership Team to develop inclusive, evidence-based and competitive reward solutions. Your work will support recruitment, retention, colleague experience and organisational decision-making, while maintaining effective governance and value for money.
What you will be doing
- Provide specialist advice on total reward, pay and reward governance to HR leaders and senior stakeholders.
- Develop reward frameworks and initiatives that respond to workforce capacity, recruitment and retention challenges.
- Lead reward benchmarking activity, using internal and external insight to inform options and recommendations.
- Support pay structures, annual pay award cycles and job evaluation activity.
- Analyse reward measures and outcomes, including reporting such as gender pay gap activity where required.
- Work collaboratively across HR, Finance, operational leaders, trade unions and external partners.
About you
We are seeking someone who can bring:
- A proven track record in total reward within a large or complex HR function.
- Experience deploying reward benchmarking techniques and advising stakeholders on pay and reward matters.
- Experience leading or implementing job evaluation frameworks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with confidence turning data into practical recommendations.
- A collaborative, credible and values-led approach with a commitment to inclusion, fairness and safeguarding.
Why join Cafcass?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in an organisation with a unique and important purpose. In return, you will be part of an organisation that offers:
- Flexible and hybrid working, with regular travel across England where the role requires it.
- A supportive, values-led HR team with a clear focus on improvement and colleague experience.
- Access to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- 28 days' annual leave, rising to 33 days after five years' continuous service, plus bank/public holidays.
Safeguarding and inclusion
Cafcass is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are also committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where colleagues feel valued, respected and able to do their best work. We welcome applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
If you are interested in this opportunity and want to help Cafcass deliver exceptional outcomes for children and families, we would welcome your application.
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of our colleagues is something we are truly passionate about, as demonstrated by everyone having four dedicated, additional days per year when they are encouraged to spend time focusing on their health and wellbeing. Colleagues can also have a health and wellbeing cash plan, for which Cafcass pays the basic premium, allowing them to claim back some costs of routine health expenses.
Diversity
We represent children and families from diverse backgrounds and having a diverse workforce helps us to fulfil this responsibility authentically. Our inclusive and accessible recruitment process means we aim to accommodate reasonable adjustments as needed.
Benefits
In addition to our unique, holistic approach to supporting your health and wellbeing we also provide:
- Generous holidays: 28 days holiday rising to 33 days with five years continuous service.
- Excellent pension: 13.7% employer contribution to Local Government Pension scheme.
- Flexible working: Most colleagues work in a hybrid way.
- Exclusive discounts: Generous discounts with a wide range of companies.
- Professional fees: Social work colleagues have their annual Social Work England membership fees reimbursed.
- Car leasing schemes: Personal car leasing scheme available.
Strategic Reward Manager employer: Cafcass
As a leading organisation in the Hampshire & Dorset area, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels supported and empowered. Our commitment to professional growth is reflected in our extensive wellbeing support and excellent benefits package, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery for children and families. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative and inspiring work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Reward Manager
✨Join HR Networks
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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Cafcass!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Cafcass.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Reward Manager
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 Cafcass. 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 Cafcass 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 Cafcass. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Cafcass'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 Cafcass
✨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 Cafcass.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Cafcass 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.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Cafcass and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
