Head of Reward - Hertfordshire in Hemel Hempstead

We’re looking for a senior reward leader to be part of the People Operations leadership team and own our reward strategy and delivery. You’ll bring deep expertise in pay, benefits and job architecture, and think beyond reward to how it integrates with payroll, people services, finance and operations. You’ll lead a small team of Reward Partners, report to the Director of People Operations, and work closely with Payroll, People Services, Finance and senior leaders across the business.

Why this role is different

This isn’t a steady‑state role. The foundations are in place, but there is real opportunity to modernise, simplify and better connect reward across a complex, fast‑paced business. You’ll have genuine influence in shaping how reward supports wider people and commercial priorities. The role sits within the People Operations leadership team and offers the chance to progress and broaden your impact over time.

What you’ll be doing

• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders on pay, bonus, benefits and job architecture, shaping decisions rather than merely responding.
• Own key reward cycles – pay review, bonus and benefits – delivered on time, on budget and aligned to business priorities.
• Partner with Finance on cost modelling, forecasting and budgeting to ensure reward decisions are commercially sound.
• Turn strategy into delivery through clear policies, practical processes and communications that land across the business.
• Use data and insight to inform decisions, identify opportunities and tell a clear story.
• Lead and develop your team to deliver consistently and at pace.
• Modernise reward through improved processes, systems (including Workday) and automation.
• Contribute to broader direction across reward and people operations.
• Act as the reward SME for REMCO papers and keep the organisation ahead of regulatory changes and best practice.

We’re open to candidates at different stages

Whether you’re a senior reward manager ready to step up into your first Head of role, or an established Head of Reward looking for a new challenge, we’re interested in your experience.

What matters most is that you bring

• Deep reward expertise, but with a broader perspective beyond pure reward.
• A systems thinker who connects reward with payroll, people services and finance.
• Strong commercial awareness – you balance cost with employee value and make sound decisions.
• Confidence influencing senior stakeholders and building credibility quickly.
• Operational strength – you manage detail and deliver consistently.
• Proven people leadership experience and a track record of developing others.
• A data‑driven and curious approach, using insight to improve outcomes.
• Experience working in or alongside people operations, payroll, HR operations or HR partnering is a real plus.
• Experience working with frontline, NMW/NLW populations in retail, hospitality, leisure or similar sectors – you understand what reward looks like at scale.

What can we offer you?

• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Annual bonus
• Generous discounts on Haven and Warner Hotels holiday for you, family and friends
• Comprehensive wellbeing support
• Access to the Bourne Leisure corporate box at the O2 Arena, London
• Exclusive discounts with corporate partners
• Exciting career pathways, including Learning and Development opportunities such as Apprenticeships and Degrees
• Enhanced family friendly policies and pay (eligibility criteria applied)
• Holiday allowance that rises with service

We invest in our leaders and create space for people to grow. Where that takes you depends on what you bring and where your ambitions lie. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility you may require.