Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance reward structures while managing a small team.
- Company: Join a market-leading, household-name business with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a car allowance, market-leading bonus, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be a stabilising force in a changing culture, making a real impact on employee rewards.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in reward management and HR data analysis required.
- Other info: Hybrid working pattern with flexibility; start date in August preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Hybrid (typically 1-2 days per week in the office preferred, flexible)
Location: Close to the M1 and easily commutable from Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and the Home Counties.
Start Date: August preferred
We’re working with a market-leading, household-name business to recruit a Head of Reward on a 12–18 month fixed-term contract.
About the Role
This is not a newly created role, nor a transformation brief. The core focus will be to maintain, embed, and enhance the reward structures already in place – particularly following several years of change and refinement.
You’ll lead a small, capable team of two, reporting to the HR Director and partnering directly with the UK Executive Team. While the wider business is undergoing cultural and operational change, your role will be a stabilising force within the People function – ensuring Reward, Benefits and Pensions delivery continues to operate effectively and supports the business at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Ownership of cyclical reward activity, pay frameworks, and incentive schemes
- Oversight of pensions strategy
- Lead on reward communications – including messaging to the wider organisation
- Partner with senior leaders and Exec team on pay, grading, and performance reward
- Continuous improvement mind-set
- Joint lead on Wellbeing strategy with the Head of Safety, Health and Wellbeing
What You’ll Bring
- Strong reward experience with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on
- Experience with pay structures, incentive schemes, and reward communications
- Confident working with HR data and reward modelling
- Comfortable overseeing pensions delivery and benefits design
- Pragmatic, collaborative style – able to influence and coach senior stakeholders
- Hands-on delivery approach – this is a lean team where delivery sits with you
Package & Benefits
- Car allowance or EV car scheme
- Market leading annual bonus
- Enhanced pension
- Private Medical Insurance – family cover included
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Retail discount platform
Head of Reward employer: Macildowie Recruitment and Retention
Contact Detail:
Macildowie Recruitment and Retention Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reward
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR and reward sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who might have insights into the company or role. Building these connections can give you an edge when applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's current reward structures and any recent changes they've made. Understanding their specific challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with reward communications and incentive schemes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented or improved these areas in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in employee wellbeing and reward strategies. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only impress during interviews but also show that you're proactive and committed to continuous improvement in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in reward management, pay frameworks, and incentive schemes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic and hands-on capabilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to lead teams and influence senior stakeholders. Mention your experience with HR data and reward modelling, as well as your approach to continuous improvement.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on key achievements related to reward communications and pensions strategy. Quantify your successes where possible to showcase your impact.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Research the company’s culture and values. In your application, reflect how your pragmatic and collaborative style aligns with their ongoing cultural and operational changes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macildowie Recruitment and Retention
✨Understand the Reward Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current reward structures and incentive schemes in place at the company. Be prepared to discuss how you can maintain and enhance these systems, demonstrating your strategic and hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a small team, highlight your leadership style and how you plan to support and develop your team members. Share examples of how you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves working with HR data and reward modelling, brush up on your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions and improve reward strategies in the past.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by sharing specific examples of initiatives you've led or contributed to that enhanced reward delivery or employee wellbeing. This will show your proactive approach and alignment with the company's goals.
