At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative Total Rewards projects and design innovative compensation strategies.
- Company: Join Korn Ferry, a global leader in organisational consulting.
- Benefits: Be part of a high-performing team with growth opportunities and cutting-edge projects.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and stay ahead of market trends.
- Why this job: Influence fairness and transparency in pay across global organisations.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in Total Rewards and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm that powers performance. We unlock the potential in your people and unleash transformation across your business—synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth, and inspire a legacy of change. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking companies across every major industry turn to us—for a shared commitment to lasting impact and the bold ambition to Be More Than.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, our over 9,000 colleagues globally serve clients in more than 50 countries. We offer five core capabilities that span the full talent lifecycle:
- Organizational Strategy
- Assessment and Succession
- Talent Acquisition
- Leadership Development
- Rewards and Benefits
Shape the future of pay. Drive transparency. Influence global organisations. Korn Ferry is partnering with leading organisations at the forefront of Total Rewards transformation—and we’re looking for a Senior Principal to lead complex, high‑impact engagements across EMEA. This is a pivotal role for a client‑facing expert who combines deep reward expertise with commercial acumen, particularly in the evolving space of EU Pay Transparency and fair compensation frameworks.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Client Impact & Delivery
- Lead complex, multi‑workstream Total Rewards projects across sectors and geographies
- Design and deliver innovative compensation & benefits strategies aligned to business objectives
- Provide expert guidance on job architecture, reward frameworks, and pay benchmarking
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, including executive teams and HR leadership
- Pay Transparency & Reward Transformation
- Champion fair and transparent compensation practices across organisations
- Design and communicate salary frameworks, pay structures, and governance models
- Identify and help close pay gaps using data‑driven insights
- Ensure alignment with evolving legislation (e.g. EU Pay Transparency Directive)
- Commercial & Relationship Leadership
- Build and grow client relationships across EMEA
- Contribute to business development, bids, and new client acquisition
- Thought Leadership & Market Influence
- Contribute to research, insights, and thought leadership in Total Rewards
- Represent Korn Ferry at industry events and client forums
- Stay ahead of market trends, including future workforce expectations (Gen Z / Millennial)
What We’re Looking For
- Deep experience in Total Rewards / Compensation & Benefits / HR consulting
- Proven track record delivering complex reward programmes
- Strong knowledge of reward design, job architecture, and pay governance
- Experience working with senior stakeholders in matrix environments
- Commercial mindset with experience in client development and relationship management
- Strong analytical capability using data to drive insight and decision‑making
Why join Korn Ferry?
- Be part of a global market leader in organisational consulting
- Work on cutting‑edge reward transformation projects
- Influence how organisations approach fairness, transparency, and DE&I through pay
- Collaborate across a high‑performing, international network
- Join a firm experiencing strong growth and innovation in digital reward solutions
Korn Ferry may use AI as part of its recruitment process, but all hiring decisions are made by humans.
Korn Ferry is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Senior Principal, Total Rewards, London employer: Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a global leader in organisational consulting, employees benefit from engaging in cutting-edge Total Rewards projects that drive meaningful change across industries. With a strong commitment to employee growth, diversity, and inclusion, Korn Ferry provides ample opportunities for professional development while fostering a culture of transparency and fairness in compensation practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal, Total Rewards, London
✨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 Korn Ferry!
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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 Korn Ferry.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal, Total Rewards, London
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 Korn Ferry. 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 Korn Ferry 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 Korn Ferry. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Korn Ferry'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 Korn Ferry
✨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 Korn Ferry.
✨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 Korn Ferry 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 Korn Ferry and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
