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- Tasks: Lead transformative reward projects in the public sector, shaping pay strategies and driving equity.
- Company: Korn Ferry is a consultancy focused on making impactful changes in public sector organisations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, access to global expertise, and opportunities for continuous development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by designing fair and innovative reward systems.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in Total Reward, HR strategy, and experience in pay benchmarking and reward design.
- Other info: Flexible locations in London, Manchester, or Central UK with travel required for client interactions.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you ready to reimagine how public sector organizations reward their people?
At Korn Ferry, we’re not just consultants—we’re changemakers. We’re looking for a Senior Principal to lead transformative reward projects across the UK public sector. This is your chance to shape pay strategies that impact thousands, drive equity, and help councils and healthcare bodies navigate the future of work.
Why Public Sector Reward Is the Place to Be
Public sector reward is no longer just about compliance—it's about innovation, fairness, and strategic impact. You’ll be working on:
- Designing bespoke pay and grading structures that reflect modern workforce needs.
- Solving complex equity challenges through data-driven equal pay analysis.
- Advising on policy and governance frameworks that support sustainable reward systems.
- Collaborating with senior stakeholders to align reward with organizational strategy and public value.
From evaluating job structures to conducting equity audits, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how public institutions attract, retain, and engage their workforce.
What You’ll Bring
- Deep expertise in Total Reward, Compensation & Benefits, or HR strategy.
- Experience in job evaluation, pay benchmarking, and reward design.
- Strategic thinking paired with hands-on delivery skills.
- Curiosity and respect for the public sector’s unique challenges and opportunities.
- A passion for making reward fairer, smarter, and more impactful.
What You’ll Gain
- A platform to lead high-impact projects that matter to communities.
- A collaborative, values-driven culture where your voice and ideas are heard.
- Access to global expertise, cutting-edge tools, and continuous development.
- The chance to mentor others, shape thought leadership, and grow your career.
Join Us in Making Reward Matter
You can be based in London, Manchester or Central UK as we work with clients across all areas of the UK.
You must be prepared to travel and commit to regular overnight(s) – we value our face to face interactions with clients to build trust and valued partnerships.
If you’re excited by the idea of building reward systems that serve society, and you want to work with a team that’s as passionate as you are, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Rewards Manger (Public Sector) employer: Korn Ferry
Contact Detail:
Korn Ferry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Rewards Manger (Public Sector)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in public sector reward strategies. Understanding current challenges and innovations will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to transformative projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector and reward management fields. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with industry leaders and gain insights that could set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in job evaluation and pay benchmarking. Being able to articulate your hands-on delivery skills will demonstrate your capability to lead impactful projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for equity and fairness in reward systems during conversations. Highlighting your commitment to making a positive impact in the public sector will resonate well with the values of the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Rewards Manger (Public Sector)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Rewards Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly in Total Reward, Compensation & Benefits, and HR strategy.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in public sector reward systems, job evaluation, and pay benchmarking. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on delivery skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making reward systems fairer and more impactful. Mention how your expertise aligns with the company's mission and the unique challenges of the public sector.
Highlight Your Collaborative Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders and your experience in aligning reward strategies with organisational goals. This is crucial for the role and will set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Korn Ferry
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities within the public sector. Research recent trends in public sector reward systems and be prepared to discuss how these can impact pay strategies.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to demonstrate your ability to think strategically about reward systems. Prepare examples of how you've previously aligned compensation strategies with organisational goals, particularly in complex environments.
✨Highlight Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves solving equity challenges through data analysis, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. This will show your analytical skills and commitment to fairness.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Expect questions about collaborating with senior stakeholders. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated stakeholder relationships and how you ensured alignment between reward strategies and organisational values.
