At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful 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 innovative projects.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and stay ahead of market trends.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pay and influence fairness in organisations.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in Total Rewards and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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
Senior Principal employer: Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can shape the future of pay and drive meaningful change in Total Rewards across EMEA. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects while collaborating with a diverse, high-performing team dedicated to fairness and transparency in compensation practices. Join us to influence global organisations and be part of a firm that values innovation and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to Total Rewards. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Principal role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in compensation strategies and pay transparency. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to companies directly through our website. Express your interest in their projects and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends! Follow thought leaders in the Total Rewards space and engage with their content. This will not only boost your knowledge but also give you talking points in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Principal. Highlight your experience in Total Rewards and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to drive transparency and influence global organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about fair compensation practices and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work with senior stakeholders and complex reward programmes.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since data-driven insights are key in this role, make sure to highlight your analytical capabilities. Share examples of how you've used data to identify pay gaps or inform compensation strategies. We love seeing numbers that back up your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Korn Ferry
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Total Rewards and compensation frameworks. Understand the latest trends in EU Pay Transparency and be ready to discuss how these can impact organisations. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you're also ahead of the curve.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led complex reward programmes or influenced senior stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Demonstrate your interest in the role by asking thoughtful questions about Korn Ferry's approach to pay transparency and client engagement. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Be a Relationship Builder
Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, highlight your relationship management skills. Share examples of how you've built and maintained strong client relationships in the past, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach new client acquisition at Korn Ferry.