At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop compensation and benefits strategy for a diverse workforce.
- Company: Established fresh produce business with a dynamic operational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive package, high visibility with leadership, and long-term career opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape reward strategies in a challenging labour market and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong background in compensation and benefits, preferably in FMCG or operational sectors.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence decision-making at the executive level.
I am working exclusively with a well established fresh produce business to appoint a Head of Compensation and Benefits. This is a senior reward role within a fast paced, operational environment with a large and diverse workforce. The business operates across multiple sites and employs a mix of operational, seasonal, technical and commercial teams. They are looking for a reward leader who understands how to balance competitiveness, compliance and cost in a margin sensitive sector.
The Role
Reporting into the HR Director you will take full ownership of compensation and benefits across the business. This includes strategy, delivery and governance, with strong visibility at Executive level. You will play a key role in ensuring reward structures support attraction and retention in a challenging labour market, while remaining practical and commercially grounded.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and develop the compensation and benefits strategy across the organisation
- Lead salary structures, job architecture, grading and benchmarking across all populations
- Manage annual pay review and bonus processes, including operational and seasonal workforces
- Design and govern incentive schemes aligned to performance, productivity and margin
- Ensure compliance with UK employment, tax and regulatory requirements
- Act as a trusted reward advisor to the Executive team, providing clear and data led insight
- Oversee benefits provision, supplier management and cost control
- Lead pay equity, transparency and reporting activity, including gender pay where applicable
- Build reward capability within the wider HR team
About You
- Strong background in compensation and benefits or reward leadership
- Experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, agriculture, logistics or another operationally intensive environment preferred
- Comfortable working with large, site based and diverse workforces
- Commercially focused with a pragmatic approach to reward design
- Confident engaging with senior leaders and influencing decision making
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into practical recommendations
- Resilient and adaptable, with experience in fast moving and seasonal businesses
- CIPD or reward qualification helpful but not essential
Why Consider This Role
- Senior role with real ownership and influence
- Opportunity to shape reward in a business facing genuine labour and skills challenges
- High visibility with the leadership team
- Competitive package and long term opportunity
If you are interested, please apply below, alternatively, contact Angus on (phone number removed) or (url removed).
Head of Compensation and Benefits in Cambridge employer: MOrePeople
Contact Detail:
MOrePeople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Compensation and Benefits in Cambridge
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the fresh produce or FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the companyβs compensation strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can balance competitiveness and compliance in their unique operational environment.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've turned data into actionable insights in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making at the executive level.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compensation and Benefits in Cambridge
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Compensation and Benefits role. Highlight your background in compensation strategies and any relevant experience in FMCG or operational environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for reward leadership and how you can tackle the challenges in a fast-paced, diverse workforce.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. We want to see how you turn insights into actionable strategies!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar!
How to prepare for a job interview at MOrePeople
β¨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on key compensation metrics and industry benchmarks. Being able to discuss salary structures, job architecture, and pay equity with confidence will show that youβre not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
β¨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the fresh produce sector and its unique challenges. Knowing how to balance competitiveness, compliance, and cost in a margin-sensitive environment will demonstrate your strategic thinking and relevance to the role.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like managing annual pay reviews or designing incentive schemes. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges.
β¨Engage with the Executive Mindset
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, practice articulating your insights clearly and confidently. Show that you can provide data-led recommendations that align with the business's goals and values.