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- Tasks: Lead and transform the Reward & Payroll function for a major infrastructure programme.
- Company: Join a high-profile organisation undergoing significant transformation in the public sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful work, and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while navigating complex political landscapes and driving change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic reward within large organisations, ideally with public sector exposure.
- Other info: Frequent travel to Birmingham required; ideal for those seeking a transformative leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced Reward professional to shape and evolve a critical function within one of Europe's most high-profile infrastructure programmes. With transformation underway, a new CEO in post, and a clear strategic reset, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact at scale.
You will lead the Reward & Payroll agenda, moving away from a consultancy-led model to build a credible, future-fit internal capability. This is not just a technical reward role: it is about driving change, navigating political nuance, and influencing key stakeholders across government, unions, and executive leadership.
What You Will Be Doing- Lead & Transform the Reward & Payroll function to reflect private sector best practices within public governance frameworks.
- Advise at the Top: Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Committee, RemCo, and wider HR leadership on pay, policy, and strategy.
- Drive Strategy: Develop and embed a long-term, sustainable reward approach aligned with future capability and cultural goals.
- Navigate Complexity: Balance ambition with accountability, ensuring compliance with public sector expectations while delivering innovation.
- Engage Stakeholders: Build and maintain strong relationships with unions, government departments, and senior internal stakeholders.
- A strong track record in strategic reward, with demonstrable experience delivering impact in large, complex organisations.
- Private sector grounding, ideally in technical, commercial, or infrastructure-led businesses.
- Experience working in highly scrutinised environments, ideally with union engagement and public/government oversight.
- The ability to influence at Board level and operate confidently in politically sensitive settings.
- A collaborative, resilient leadership style, capable of shifting gears and leading change through ambiguity and bureaucracy.
- Strategic, but hands-on: Able to shape high-level thinking while rolling up their sleeves to deliver.
- Politically sharp: Understands the sensitivities of operating in a public-facing, government-involved environment.
- Commercially grounded: Brings private sector insight to public sector challenges.
- Credible and humble: Builds trust and influence without ego or the need to consult.
- Curious and adaptable: Open to learning, pivoting, and finding creative solutions.
If you are ready to take on a transformative leadership challenge in a complex, high-profile setting and help shape the future of a nationally significant project, we would love to hear from you.
Reward and Payroll Manager employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Contact Detail:
Oakleaf Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reward and Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in reward and payroll management, especially within public sector frameworks. Understanding how private sector practices can be adapted to meet public governance requirements will give you a competitive edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in navigating complex environments, particularly those who have worked with unions and government bodies. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for transforming the Reward & Payroll function. Think about specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven change and influenced stakeholders at a high level.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of the political landscape by staying updated on current events related to public sector pay and policy. This knowledge will help you engage effectively with key stakeholders during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Reward and Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Reward and Payroll Manager position. Identify key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in strategic reward and payroll management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive change in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the public sector and your private sector experience. Emphasise your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's goals, particularly in navigating political nuances.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that reflect your impact in previous roles. This could be successful projects, improvements in processes, or stakeholder engagement outcomes that demonstrate your capability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Understand the Role's Complexity
Make sure you grasp the multifaceted nature of the Reward and Payroll Manager position. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with navigating complex environments, especially in public governance frameworks.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
Highlight your ability to develop and implement long-term reward strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders at a high level, particularly in politically sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with unions, government departments, and senior leaders. Share specific instances where your engagement led to positive outcomes.
✨Exhibit a Collaborative Leadership Style
Discuss your leadership approach and how you adapt to change. Emphasise your resilience and ability to lead through ambiguity, showcasing examples where you've successfully managed teams in challenging circumstances.
