At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reward programmes and ensure fair pay practices across NESO.
- Company: Join NESO, a key player in transforming Great Britain's energy system.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in reward management and strong analytical skills required.
National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain's energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
The Reward Specialist is responsible for the delivery, governance and continuous improvement of reward programmes and processes across NESO. The role provides specialist expertise in Trade Union pay arrangements, job architecture, reward policies, reward reporting, whilst ensuring reward practices are equitable, market-informed, compliant and aligned with organisational strategy. Working closely across People Teams, Finance, Legal, Trade Unions and business leaders, the role supports the development and implementation of reward frameworks that enable attraction, retention and engagement of talent while maintaining robust governance. This role can be based in Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible work arrangements.
Key Accountabilities
- Staff Pay Management (Trade Union Bargained): Leading on the administration of staff pay arrangements within the collective bargaining framework, including implementation of agreed pay awards and associated communications. Managing policies and processes in respect of staff arrangements. Managing pay data to ensure accuracy, integrity and compliance; monitoring data quality, resolving discrepancies and providing data‑driven reporting.
- Job Architecture and Job Evaluation: Supporting the continued development of NESO's job architecture and refinement of job families and profiles within the Reward team and wider People Function/business. Supporting the development of good governance and communications to ensure job architecture integrity and evolution. Contributing to the improvement of design and delivery of job evaluation methods and processes; evaluating roles and providing guidance to the business whilst ensuring consistency of evaluation and grading principles.
- Market Benchmarking and Salary Surveys: Leading participation in salary surveys, including annual submissions; familiar with benchmarking providers such as WTW, Korn Ferry and Mercer. Conducting market pricing analysis, providing insights into market development and using tools such as Payscale.
- Reward Policies, Governance and Communication: Maintaining reward policies, frameworks and guidance documentation. Designing and delivering reward communications and education that improve colleague understanding of reward programmes. Ensuring reward practices remain compliant with legislation, organisational policies and governance requirements.
- Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting: Leading the preparation and analysis of pay‑gap reporting and identifying key drivers; ensuring reporting complies with statutory and best practice requirements. Supporting the development of action plans. Preparing reports and presentations for senior leaders, colleagues, committees and external publication.
- Other Reward Activities: Providing operational support for limited global mobility arrangements; liaising with external advisers and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with tax, immigration and employment requirements. Providing benefit administration support to the Benefits Manager as required, including enrolment, communication and effectiveness of benefit programmes. Acting as key user for Workday reward and compensation processes, supporting controls, testing and system enhancements.
About You
Significant experience within reward, compensation and benefits. Strong understanding and experience in pay structures, job architecture, job evaluation, salary benchmarking and reward governance. Experience supporting Trade Union pay arrangements. Experience producing pay‑gap and workforce reward analysis. Strong analytical and numerical capability with advanced Excel skills. Experience with HRIS (Workday preferable), Payscale and salary survey providers. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference that people bring to our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
What You'll Get
- A competitive salary of £60,000 – £69,000 dependent on experience and capability.
- Bonus based on company performance.
- 26 days annual leave as standard.
- A competitive contributory pension scheme where the company doubles your contribution up to a maximum of 12%.
- Annual enrollment in the NESO Savings Plan: 50% matching contribution when you save between £20 and £500 per month from your take‑home pay.
- Flexible Bank Holidays and Holiday Trading.
- Additional Birthday Day Off.
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail and Gym Discounts.
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance.
About Us
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon‑free for a short period this year – provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030. In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO – an independent, expert public corporation with a whole‑system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system‑wide benefit, long‑term public value. The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy, our future, together.
More Information
This role closes at 23:59 on the day before the date shown above. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.
Reward Specialist - NESO in Warwick employer: ENGINEERINGUK
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions sustainability and innovation in the energy sector. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment that values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Join us in Warwick to be part of a vital transformation towards a cleaner energy future, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reward Specialist - NESO in Warwick
✨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 ENGINEERINGUK!
✨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 ENGINEERINGUK.
We think you need these skills to ace Reward Specialist - NESO in Warwick
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 ENGINEERINGUK. 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 ENGINEERINGUK 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 ENGINEERINGUK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to ENGINEERINGUK'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 ENGINEERINGUK
✨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 ENGINEERINGUK.
✨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 ENGINEERINGUK 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 ENGINEERINGUK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.