At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of reward and performance strategies for a leading insurance organisation.
- Company: Join a top-tier insurance company with a strong UK presence and international backing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior executives and governance committees in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on organisational culture and reward practices at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in reward leadership within financial services or complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Head of Reward & Performance
Location
London, hybrid
About the company and the role
Our client is a leading insurance organisation with a substantial UK presence and the backing and resources of a wider international group.
The business combines significant scale with meaningful local autonomy, creating an attractive environment for a senior HR leader seeking strategic influence, executive exposure and the opportunity to deliver tangible organisational impact.
This is an opportunity to join the UK HR leadership team as Head of Reward & Performance, taking responsibility for the organisation’s reward, performance management and benefits strategy.
The successful candidate will inherit a capable, established team and strong operational foundations, allowing them to focus on strategic leadership, executive stakeholder management and the continued evolution of the reward agenda.
Working closely with senior executives, relevant governance committees and international reward stakeholders, the Head of Reward & Performance will maintain a robust governance framework while helping to shape the organisation’s high-performance culture.
The role will also contribute to reward harmonisation, pay transparency, workforce planning and broader organisational effectiveness initiatives.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s reward, performance and benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with wider business and people priorities.
- Maintain and enhance reward governance, building trusted relationships with senior executives, governance committees and international stakeholders.
- Shape and embed the organisation’s high-performance culture, helping to define the performance characteristics and management practices that support business success.
- Lead the continued review and harmonisation of salary structures, reward frameworks and related policies across the organisation.
- Progress the organisation’s approach to pay transparency and ensure that reward practices remain appropriately governed and commercially relevant.
- Lead, support and develop an established reward team while contributing to wider workforce planning, organisational effectiveness and change initiatives.
- Candidate profile and experience
The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior reward leader with substantial experience gained within financial services, insurance or another complex, regulated organisation.
Alternatively, they may bring relevant consulting experience alongside a strong understanding of financial services reward environments.
They will offer
- Broad technical expertise across executive and employee reward, performance management, benefits and reward governance.
- Experience engaging senior executives, boards and remuneration or compensation committees.
- A strong track record of leading and developing reward teams.
- The executive presence, judgement and communication skills required to influence senior stakeholders on complex and sensitive reward matters.
- Experience leading change, improving effectiveness and evolving established reward frameworks.
- Strong commercial awareness, combined with the ability to balance strategic priorities, governance requirements and organisational context.
- An understanding of unionised environments would be advantageous but is not essential.
This role would suit an established Head of Reward or a senior reward professional operating as the number two within a larger, sophisticated organisation who is ready to take on broader functional leadership.
Head of Reward & Performance in London employer: Catalyst Partners
Catalyst Partners offers an exceptional opportunity for the Head of Human Resources role within a prestigious global Asset Management organisation. With a commitment to fostering a dynamic work culture, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive rewards and incentives. This position not only allows you to influence strategic people initiatives at a pivotal time but also provides the unique advantage of working across international markets, enhancing your global perspective in the investment sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reward & Performance in London
✨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 Catalyst Partners!
✨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 Catalyst Partners.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward & Performance in London
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 Catalyst Partners. 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 Catalyst Partners 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 Catalyst Partners. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Catalyst Partners'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 Catalyst Partners
✨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 Catalyst Partners.
✨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 Catalyst Partners 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 Catalyst Partners and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
