Compensation Specialist

Compensation Specialist

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Marsh

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to analyse and enhance compensation strategies for a global leader.
  • Company: Marsh, a top player in risk and reinsurance with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Professional development, flexible hybrid work, and a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on compensation strategies while working with talented colleagues.
  • Qualifications: Experience in compensation analysis and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced and highly analytical compensation professional to join our Compensation Center of Expertise (COE) at Marsh.

This role will be based in London. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office.

The Compensation Specialist for Guy Carpenter serves as a strategic partner to HR and business leaders to develop data-driven and scalable solutions to enhance and grow the business.

The role serves as a subject matter expert, providing actionable insights and assessing the effectiveness of plans, programs and processes.

The Specialist supports key compensation initiatives including market pricing, job evaluation, incentive design, annual compensation planning, and compensation governance.

The role operates across multiple client groups and geographies, analyzing data, formulating recommendations, and implementing programs.

This is an opportunity to play a visible role in shaping compensation strategy and delivering high-impact solutions for a leading global business.

The Compensation Specialist partners closely with and reports to the Compensation Leader for Guy Carpenter.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capability, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment.

We will count on you to

  • Act as a trusted client advisor and consultant to Guy Carpenter’s People Partners and Business Leaders, delivering strategic compensation advice and solutions.
  • Manage various compensation-based initiatives and projects that have a significant impact on the organization, including variable compensation plan design, salary structure reviews, market analysis, and year-end compensation planning.
  • Prepare advanced compensation analyses including complex models, dashboards, and reports that inform decision‑making.
  • Conduct job evaluations and benchmark roles using market data and compensation survey sources to support pay decisions.
  • Support the design, implementation, and administration of base pay, incentive, and other reward programmes aligned to business strategy.
  • Independently lead compensation project workstreams, including tracking milestones, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder decisions.
  • Develop clear, executive‑ready materials and present findings and recommendations to HR and business stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
  • Ensure data accuracy, process consistency, and adherence to compensation policies, governance standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Provide insights and market intelligence on the competitive landscape, trends, and practices.
  • Handle highly sensitive information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and business leadership to support compensation forecasting, budgeting, and annual compensation cycles.
  • Translate complex data into practical recommendations that support business priorities and talent decisions.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of compensation processes, tools, and reporting.

What you need to have

  • Significant professional experience in compensation, rewards, or a closely related analytical field, working effectively in a global, matrixed, and fast‑paced environment.
  • Demonstrated client management skills and broad knowledge of compensation issues including market trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.
  • Experience in leading rewards projects, with the ability to build consensus and manage expectations across a wide range of stakeholders, coordinate multiple work streams or tasks, and prioritize work.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, including advanced Excel skills such as creating pivot tables; using functions including XLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, nested IF statements, SUMIFS/COUNTIFS, and IFERROR; and performing scenario analysis, reconciliations, and trend analysis, along with experience interpreting complex data sets to inform compensation decisions.
  • Experience using AI to simplify work and enhance results.
  • Experience with compensation benchmarking, job evaluation, salary structures, and incentive plan analysis.
  • Experience working with HRIS and compensation planning systems, such as Workday or similar platforms.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex analysis into practical recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow‑through.
  • Proficiency in Excel modelling, Power Point, and data visualisation/reporting tools.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment and discretion.

What makes you stand out?

  • Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic compensation programmes in a complex, global organisation.
  • High ownership and drive, pushes work forward without waiting for direction. Comfortable operating at a fast pace with high expectations.
  • Consulting‑grade problem solving skills: structures ambiguity, reasons from hypotheses, and builds a compelling, evidence‑based case for change.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders through strong judgment, credible analysis, and a collaborative approach.
  • Experience supporting annual compensation review cycles, incentive planning, and market pricing in a complex organisation.
  • Experience supporting compensation in a financial services, insurance, or similarly regulated industry.
  • Familiarity with compensation survey providers, including Mercer, WTW, and Radford Mc Lagan, and other external market data sources.
  • Experience operating effectively across regions and within a global, matrixed organisation.
  • AI fluency: genuine curiosity and hands‑on experience using AI to reshape work.
  • Experience and knowledge of UK Remco preparations

Why join our team

  • We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.
  • We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.
  • Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well‑being.

Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries.

With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective.

For more information, visit corporate. marsh. com, or follow us on Linked In and X.

Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment.

We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, civil partnership status, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments in accordance with applicable law to any candidate with a disability to allow them to fully participate in the recruitment process.

If you have a disability that may require reasonable adjustments, please contact us at reasonableaccommodations@marsh. com.

Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office.

All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week.

Office‑based teams will identify at least one ‘anchor day’ per week on which their full team will be together in person.

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Compensation Specialist employer: Marsh

Marsh is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in the vibrant locations of Plymouth and Newquay, offering employees the chance to thrive in a supportive environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development and growth opportunities, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to meaningful client relationships. The company also values resilience and ambition, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in their careers.

Marsh

Contact Details:

Marsh Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Compensation Specialist

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 Marsh!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

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 Marsh.

We think you need these skills to ace Compensation Specialist

Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Client Management Skills
Compensation Benchmarking
Job Evaluation
Salary Structure Analysis
Incentive Plan Design

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 Marsh. 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 Marsh 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 Marsh. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Marsh'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 Marsh

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 Marsh.

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 Marsh 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 Marsh and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.