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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 43200 - 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
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing reward structures and any recent changes they've undergone. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their current landscape during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the HR and reward space, especially those who have experience in similar roles. They can provide insights into the challenges and expectations of the position, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed reward communications and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. This will showcase your hands-on delivery approach and collaborative style.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in reward management and employee benefits. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will allow you to contribute fresh ideas and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Reward position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities such as ownership of reward activity and oversight of pensions strategy.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in reward management, pay structures, and incentive schemes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to operate both strategically and hands-on, as this role requires a balance of both.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your experience aligns with the company's needs, particularly in maintaining and enhancing existing reward structures. Be sure to mention your collaborative style and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macildowie Recruitment and Retention
✨Understand the Reward Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the current reward structures and incentive schemes in place. Familiarise yourself with the company's existing pay frameworks and be prepared to discuss how you can enhance them.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Highlight your ability to operate both strategically and hands-on. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed reward communications and partnered with senior leaders in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Data Proficiency
Since the role involves working with HR data and reward modelling, come prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis. You might even want to bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in reward strategies.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This position requires a pragmatic and collaborative style. Be ready to share instances where you've influenced and coached senior stakeholders, showcasing your ability to work effectively within a team and across departments.
