At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate global reward strategies, shaping pay and benefits frameworks.
- Company: Join a renowned publishing house committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and vibrant employee networks await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee satisfaction and organisational success.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in complex reward initiatives and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As Group Reward Director, you’ll provide strategic leadership and expert challenge to the development and evolution of pay, reward and benefits frameworks aligned to global principles and the wider Group People Strategy, supporting OUP to deliver its mission in a complex, global environment.
You will have ownership of the Reward strategy for the organization, designing, implementing, and managing all compensation and benefit programmes and processes across multiple locations and employee types, ensuring that these programmes support our HR and business strategy.
Key accountabilities
- Own and lead OUP's global reward strategy and roadmap.
- Design, implement, and manage all compensation and benefit programmes and processes across multiple locations and employee types.
- Develop and maintain a high-performing work environment including coaching and developing individual talent and ensuring operational excellence.
- Provide expert advice and support to the Remuneration Committee with high-quality analysis and recommendations, including preparation and presentation of materials.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on sensitive and high‑risk remuneration matters.
- Monitor market trends and the financial aspects of our compensation, benefits, and rewards programmes on an ongoing basis to ensure cost effectiveness and market competitiveness.
- Implement a culture that is customer-focused, encourage creativity, drive performance, and effectively develop and reward key performers
- Influence senior leadership’s decision‑making on reward outcomes, risk, and long‑term pay sustainability.
- Act as a recognized thought leader in all aspects of reward bringing external insight, emerging practice, and regulatory foresight into OUP.
- Lead multidisciplinary and cross‑functional initiatives to deliver major reward transformation and governance milestones.
- Represent HR with employee representative groups and support reward‑related governance and compliance activities.
- Ensure reward and benefits strategies (both tangible and non‑tangible) are compliant, equitable, and appropriate across assigned regions and businesses.
- Assist with HR Governance risk, ensuring regulatory compliance and long‑term organizational sustainability.
- Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles across all reward frameworks, ensuring accessibility, fairness, and consistency of outcomes.
We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
- Demonstrable track record of leading and influencing complex reward initiatives at enterprise and executive level, across international markets.
- Proven ability to analyse highly complex reward data and communicate outcomes clearly and credibly with senior executives and governance bodies.
- Broad and deep technical expertise across all aspects of compensation, benefits, executive remuneration, incentives, and job architecture.
- Experience in managing external reward and benefits suppliers and advisory partners.
- Experience advising Remuneration Committees or Boards.
- Experience of global mobility programmes.
- Prior experience in the Publishing or knowledge‑based industries.
We care about work/life balance here at OUP.
With this in mind we offer 25 days’ holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week.
We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role.
We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.
We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts.
This role comes with the added benefit of private medical insurance, a car/allowance, and a management bonus.
Please see our Rewards and Recognition page for more information.
We are committed to supporting diversity in our workforce, and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive.
We seek to employ a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and encourage applications from all.
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Group Reward Director in Oxford employer: Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Oxford. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary, all within a supportive hybrid working environment that values work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Reward Director in Oxford
✨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 Oxford University Press!
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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 Oxford University Press.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Reward Director in Oxford
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 Oxford University Press. 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 Oxford University Press 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 Oxford University Press. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Oxford University Press'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 Oxford University Press
✨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 Oxford University Press.
✨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 Oxford University Press 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 Oxford University Press and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
