At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of our reward strategy and connect performance with colleague experience.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on people transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and high-quality outcomes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of talent recognition and retention in a high-impact role.
- Qualifications: Experience in reward strategy and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Join us as a Reward Strategy Lead. Take on a visible deputy leadership role at the heart of Project Ascent, one of our most strategically important People transformation programmes. You’ll help shape and deliver a multi-year transformation of how we reward, recognise and retain talent, connecting performance, market competitiveness and colleague experience. You’ll build senior influence across Reward, People, the business and external partners, translating insight, governance and execution into measurable outcomes. This role will be offered as hybrid with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office.
What you’ll do:
- Acting as a senior deputy on Project Ascent, translating strategic direction into a clear, prioritised delivery plan across features, milestones, governance forums and stakeholder groups.
- Preparing clear, executive-ready papers, updates and recommendations for senior leaders, People forums, ExCo, RemCo and programme governance.
- Connecting insights from leaders, colleagues, market benchmarking, external advisers and delivery teams, shaping evidence-based reward proposals.
- Driving programme delivery and momentum by managing dependencies, risks, issues, decisions and trade-offs across a complex portfolio.
- Partnering across Reward, HR business partners, Talent Acquisition, Communications, Finance, Legal, Regulatory and external advisers to deliver integrated solutions.
- Making sure change lands effectively by developing clear narratives, communications and business-ready materials that support understanding and adoption of the new reward proposition.
- Coaching and enabling contributors to raise delivery standards, foster collaboration and support high-quality outcomes delivered to time.
The skills you'll need:
- We’re looking for a high-calibre reward, transformation or strategic HR professional who can operate as a trusted deputy on a complex, high-profile programme.
- Ideally, you’ll bring deep expertise in reward principles and the confidence to apply them in a regulated, commercially complex organisation.
- You’ll be able to move seamlessly between strategy and execution: shaping the narrative, challenging thinking, managing the detail and maintaining alignment across senior stakeholders.
- You’ll be highly credible with senior leaders, comfortable working with ambiguity and able to bring structure, pace and sound judgement to complex issues.
- You’ll use data, insight and external market intelligence to inform decisions, while recognising the importance of fairness, transparency, regulatory expectations and colleague experience in reward design and delivery.
- You’ll also demonstrate strong reward, strategic HR, transformation or consultancy experience, ideally gained in a large, complex and regulated organisation.
- Proven ability to lead complex workstreams and deliver through others, managing competing priorities and achieving high-quality outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills, translating complex reward and people topics into clear, compelling, senior-level narratives.
- Strong influencing, judgement and relationship-building capability, with the confidence to challenge constructively and align diverse stakeholders.
Reward Strategy Lead in Manchester employer: NatWest Group
As a Reward Strategy Lead, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of Project Ascent, a transformative initiative aimed at redefining our reward strategy. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, allowing you to thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth. With access to senior leadership and opportunities to influence key decisions, you'll play a crucial role in shaping a competitive and transparent reward framework that enhances colleague experience and drives organisational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reward Strategy Lead in Manchester
✨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 NatWest Group!
✨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 NatWest Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Reward Strategy Lead in Manchester
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 NatWest Group. 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 NatWest Group 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 NatWest Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to NatWest Group'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 NatWest Group
✨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 NatWest Group.
✨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 NatWest Group 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 NatWest Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
