Global Compensation & Rewards Strategy Lead in London

Company Profile

At Keywords Studios we are using our passion for games, technology and media to create a global services platform for the video games industry and beyond. Our aim is to become the “go to” provider of technical services across a variety of service lines. We enable leading content creators and publishers to leverage our expertise and capacity across the lifecycle of interactive content. In doing so we empower our clients to remain lean and agile and to focus on creating the most engaging experiences. Keywords Studios is trusted and relied upon by many of the world’s leading video game companies to work alongside them during concept, development and live operations by leveraging the breadth and depth of our industry leading service lines every step of the way.

Job Summary

This position has a critical role within the growing Total Rewards COE and is an exciting opportunity to influence Reward strategy and process across Keywords. The qualified candidate will have in-depth understanding of compensation concepts and principles and will be responsible for developing and maintaining Keywords Global Compensation plans and frameworks as the business transforms translating the Total Reward strategy into consistent, scalable and compliant compensation structures. Initially focusing on key projects to finalize Keywords job architecture, merit and pay ranges, they will also take responsibility for ongoing delivery of incentive plans in late 2026/2027. This role will also support BAU compensation decisions as the Total Reward COE grows and establishes and will be supported by 2 analysts.

Office Location

Requirement to work primarily a UK/Europe timezone but flexibility can be provided. Other locations and remote working considered.

Requirements

• Key Responsibilities
• Lead the team ensuring the effective management of Keywords Job Architecture & Pay Framework including:

• Ensuring data accuracy and ongoing development as Keywords evolves.
• Salary Survey participation.
• Creation and maintenance of pay ranges.
• Ensure the accurate benchmarking of roles across the organization, evaluating and making recommendations of appropriate data sources.
• Manage the annual compensation cycle by driving a pay-for-performance approach, driving change by building strong relationships at all levels in the organisation and ensuring pay remains competitive to local markets.
• Develop strong relationships across key stakeholders in P&C and the business to help establish the Reward COE.
• Aid the development of Keywords future Reward philosophy and strategy, working closely with the Global Reward Director to ensure this reflects the needs of the business in attracting and retaining key talent across Keywords.
• Support the implementation of new Incentive & Recognition plans for 2026 and 2027.
• Lead Keywords approach to regular competitive and pay equity analyses to support Keywords ability to attract and retain talent and ensure compliance with new legislation.
• Maximize operational efficiencies through partnering with HRIS to fully deploy the Workday compensation module and create tools in support of HR and manager self-service.
• Drive a continuous programme of communication & engagement for Keywords Compensation Philosophy through creating Guidelines, policies and running targeting training and education campaigns within P&C and with the Business.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Strong analytical skills and mathematical aptitude required.
• Strong excel / google sheets skills.
• Experience working with Workday’s Advanced Compensation Module desirable.
• Extensive experience in compensation design and delivery.
• Experience in job evaluation methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills along with the ability to communicate effectively with others at all levels of the organisation.
• Capable of multi-tasking and managing multiple projects by being flexible, organised and able to prioritise and manage own workload.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high activity environment, on a wide variety of matters and able to handle the requirement to quickly shift from one situation or task to another.
• Demonstrated ability to understand business requirements quickly and then implement actions to meet business objectives.
• Experience in managing and developing a team and working across different cultures.
• Excellent project management and communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Fluency in English (additional languages are an advantage but not required).

Benefits

• Holiday - 25 days per annum + UK Bank Holidays
• BUPA Medical and Dental coverage
• Group Income Protection
• Group Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Enhanced Employer Pension Contributions
• Cycle Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme