Global Rewards Transformation Manager (12 month FTC)

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 support the Global Rewards Director in transforming the reward plans at Keywords. The primary focus for this role will be to manage the project to design and implement new Incentive Plans including Company Bonus plan, Sales Incentives and Long-Term Incentives during 2026 and 2027. These are critical business projects in support of wider business transformation and form a crucial part of the Reward Team strategy to create consistent, scalable compensation plans. This role will also support other Total Reward projects as required in support of the development of a Global Benefits & Wellness strategy and harmonization of plans. The role will be supported by 1 analyst.

Office Location

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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end incentive design, modelling and rollout of a new Company Bonus, Sales Incentive and Long-Term Incentive plan across 2026-2027.
• Partner with HR and business stakeholders to map all existing incentive plans and assess suitability for go-forward incentivization of employees.
• Drive project governance and change management establishing clear project plans, milestones and approval.
• Ensure alignment of plans to business transformation objectives, performance culture and cost targets.
• Develop Governance frameworks to support consistent compensation decision making.
• 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.
• Develop comprehensive communication & engagement materials including creating Guidelines, policies and running targeted training and education campaigns within P&C and with the Business.
• 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.
• Translates agreed strategy into frameworks and processes.
• Support benefits and leave plan harmonisation as required, policy development and market benchmarking activities.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.