At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver competitive reward strategies that attract and motivate employees.
- Company: Join Pilgrim's Europe, a leader in the food industry with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead key projects and develop your career in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on employee satisfaction and business success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in reward or HR, strong analytical skills, and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering a competitive, compliant, and engaging reward proposition across the organisation. The Reward Partner ensures strong internal (SOX) and external governance while driving continuous improvement in reward frameworks. This is a hands-on role suited to a forward-thinking reward professional who wants to take ownership of the reward agenda and make a tangible business impact. The role partners closely with HR, Finance, Payroll, and senior business leaders to design and deliver reward strategies that attract, retain, and motivate employees.
Key Responsibilities
- Reward Strategy & Advisory
- Provide expert, data-driven advice on compensation and reward policies to senior stakeholders and HR leadership
- Support the development and execution of the organisation's reward strategy aligned to business objectives
- Ensure fair, equitable, and consistent pay decisions across the organisation
- Core Reward Cycles
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of: Annual Salary Review (ASR), Bonus cycles
- Manage system configuration (e.g. compensation modules), governance, and communications
- Benchmarking & Job Architecture
- Deliver robust salary benchmarking and market analysis (FMCG/manufacturing sectors)
- Maintain and improve job architecture and levelling frameworks
- Ensure external competitiveness and internal equity
- Projects & Transformation
- Lead key reward projects (e.g. pension consolidation, job architecture implementation)
- Contribute to HR transformation programmes and cross-functional initiatives
- Governance & Compliance
- Maintain full compliance with reward-related legislation (e.g. equal pay), internal SOX controls, and external audit requirements
- Own reward governance, ensuring audit readiness, accuracy, and policy adherence
- Develop and maintain reward policies and procedures aligned to best practice
- Data, Reporting & Insights
- Analyse reward data to generate actionable insights
- Produce reporting including: Pay trends and KPIs, Bonus accruals, Cost modelling and forecasting, Executive dashboards and board-level packs
- Support budgeting and financial planning for reward and benefits
- Stakeholder & Operational Delivery
- Partner closely with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of all reward elements (including pensions)
- Build strong stakeholder relationships and deliver high-quality service aligned to SLAs
- Handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality and professionalism
- People Leadership
- Line manage and develop the Reward Advisor
- Drive capability building and team performance
Key Deliverables
- Annual Salary Review and Bonus Cycle delivery
- Pension governance and consolidation project outcomes
- Job levelling framework implementation
- Salary benchmarking and market insights
- Monthly bonus accrual reporting
- Reward policy development and updates
- Bonus communication and execution
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Strong understanding of compensation, benefits, and reward structures
- Knowledge of employment legislation and pay governance
- Experience delivering annual pay reviews and bonus cycles
- Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel skills
- Ability to translate complex data into clear insights
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- High level of discretion and professionalism
Desirable
- Experience with HR systems (SAP, SuccessFactors or similar)
- Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or multi-site environments
- Experience in pension administration (UK/ROI)
- Proven experience with: Benchmarking and market analysis, Job architecture frameworks, Reward transformation projects
Qualifications
- CIPD Level 5 or 7 in HR/Reward (Desirable)
- Degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related discipline (Desirable)
- 5+ years' experience in reward, HR, or a related field
Additional Requirements
- Commercially minded with strong business acumen
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
- Strong team collaboration skills
- Full UK driving licence
Total Rewards Partner employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in Rushmere, Northern Ireland. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous development opportunities and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our reward strategies. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing high-quality food products while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Total Rewards Partner
✨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 Pilgrims Europe!
✨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 Pilgrims Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Total Rewards Partner
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 Pilgrims Europe. 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 Pilgrims Europe 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 Pilgrims Europe. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Pilgrims Europe'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 Pilgrims Europe
✨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 Pilgrims Europe.
✨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 Pilgrims Europe 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 Pilgrims Europe and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
