At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the reward agenda and manage benefits in a fast-paced automotive environment.
- Company: Dynamic automotive brand offering a standalone role with real ownership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to influence senior decisions.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive individuals seeking growth in a fast-moving business.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rewards while thriving in a vibrant SME culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in reward roles, strong Excel skills, and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Reward Partner – Permanent, to take full ownership of the reward agenda within a dynamic, fast-growing automotive business. This is a standalone, end-to-end role, ideal for someone who thrives in an SME environment, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll partner closely with HR, Finance and senior leaders to shape and deliver a competitive, compliant and engaging reward and benefits offering.
The Role
Acting as the organisation’s reward subject-matter expert, you will lead all aspects of reward, benefits and payroll oversight. This is a high-visibility role offering real ownership and the opportunity to influence senior decision-making, while remaining close to the detail.
Key Responsibilities
- Reward Benefits (c.60%)
- Lead all reward and benefits activity, advising leaders on market practice.
- Deliver the end-to-end annual salary review and bonus processes.
- Own benefits strategy, supplier management and renewals.
- Benchmark and enhance reward competitiveness.
- Manage brokers, providers and platforms.
- Deliver clear and engaging reward communications.
- Lead on international assignment arrangements (UK focus).
- Payroll Reporting (c.30%)
- Oversee monthly payroll with hands-on support where needed.
- Partner with Finance on payroll forecasting and budgeting.
- Produce reward analytics, benchmarking and reporting.
- Own HR dashboards and provide meaningful insight.
- HR Compliance (c.10%)
- Lead reward-related compliance, audits and risk activity.
- Ensure policies and processes meet legal and governance requirements.
About You
- Proven experience in a standalone or highly autonomous reward role, ideally within an SME or smaller organisation.
- Strong experience managing the end-to-end reward life cycle.
- Hands-on, commercially minded and comfortable balancing strategy with delivery.
- Highly numerate with advanced Excel skills (Power BI desirable).
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence at senior level.
- Self-sufficient, proactive and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- CIPD or relevant Reward qualification preferred.
This role is ideal for a reward professional looking to own and shape the full reward agenda in a fast-moving business.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, click apply now to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Legal Partner in Milton Keynes employer: Hays
Join a fast-paced automotive brand that values innovation and employee growth, offering a unique opportunity for a Reward Partner to take full ownership of the reward agenda. With a collaborative work culture and a focus on strategic impact, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, hands-on involvement in decision-making, and the chance to shape a rewarding employee experience in a dynamic SME environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Partner in Milton Keynes
✨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 Hays!
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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 Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Partner in Milton Keynes
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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 Hays. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays'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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays 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 Hays and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
