At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex pay and reward projects, ensuring compliance and integrity in evaluations.
- Company: Tower Hamlets Council, committed to organisational development and employee welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to influence change.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on transparency and effective decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pay equity and governance in a dynamic public sector environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in public sector pay, job evaluation, and strong analytical skills required.
Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a highly experienced Interim Pay and Reward Specialist to provide senior professional expertise across complex pay, grading and reward activity during a period of organisational change. This role provides the council with authoritative subject matter expertise to lead on complex and high-risk pay and reward matters, assure the integrity of job evaluation outcomes, and mitigate organisational and legal risk. This role requires a seasoned reward specialist with deep technical expertise, sound professional judgement and confidence operating under challenge and scrutiny with knowledge and experience of local government pay and grading schemes including NJC.
Core Requirements
- Act as the council’s senior professional subject matter expert on pay, grading and reward matters under the direction of the Director of HR and OD.
- Take ownership of complex, high-risk or contentious pay and job evaluation cases, including escalations and challenges.
- Lead on the application and assurance of the council’s job evaluation scheme (e.g. NJC / HAY or equivalent), providing professional authority on outcomes.
- Provide expert advice on pay risk, equal pay implications and consistency of application.
- Work closely with HR Business Partners, finance, ER and legal colleagues to ensure pay and reward decisions are robust, defensible and compliant.
- Provide senior level advice to HR leaders and Directors on pay, grading and reward risks, options and implications.
- Set professional standards and provide quality assurance across pay and reward activity delivered by consultants and HR colleagues.
- Contribute to strengthening governance, transparency and confidence in pay and reward decision-making, ensuring that documentation and records are maintained.
Day to Day Tasks
- Leading and quality assuring complex or sensitive job evaluation cases, including roles associated with restructures, senior posts or where there is significant challenge.
- Reviewing and assuring evaluation outcomes produced by consultants to ensure consistency, rigour and defensibility.
- Advising on pay and grading challenges, appeals and disputes, including preparation of professional advice and recommendations.
- Supporting the management of equal pay risk, including analysis, assurance and contribution to mitigation actions.
- Providing expert input to pay modelling, benchmarking and reward proposals where complexity or risk is high.
- Advising on market supplements, allowances and non-standard payments in line with policy and governance and the local conventions.
- Working constructively with Trade Unions on complex pay and grading matters to resolve issues and reduce escalation.
- Supporting backlog reduction through prioritisation, triage and professional oversight of in train cases.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required
- Expert-level knowledge of public sector pay and reward, job evaluation and grading.
- Substantial experience operating as a senior reward specialist within a complex, unionised organisation.
- Proven experience leading and assuring job evaluation schemes and managing complex or contested cases.
- Strong understanding of equal pay, pay transparency and employment legislation as it relates to reward.
- Experience advising HR leaders, Directors and senior stakeholders on complex reward matters.
- Ability to apply professional judgement, challenge constructively and operate under scrutiny.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, particularly in evaluation and pay risk assessment.
- High levels of professional credibility, resilience and discretion.
- CIPD qualification (Level 7 preferred) or equivalent senior-level reward expertise.
Pay and Reward Specialist – AR employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pay and Reward Specialist – AR
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Carrington Blake Recruitment and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Pay and Reward Specialist – AR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Carrington Blake Recruitment. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Carrington Blake Recruitment, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Carrington Blake Recruitment uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Carrington Blake Recruitment.
