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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of compensation strategies to attract and retain top talent.
- Company: Join Royal Mail, a transformative organisation committed to rewarding exceptional performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, healthcare, 30 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape reward practices at a high level while influencing key stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in designing incentive schemes and strong stakeholder communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job reference 327125
Head of Compensation
Competitive salary, plus car allowance, healthcare, 35% annual bonus potential,30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and a company pension scheme with highly competitive contribution rates
Permanent Full time
185 Farringdon Road, London
About the role
Royal Mail is seeking a strategic and influential Head of Compensation to lead the design, development and implementation of the company\’s compensation strategy in collaboration with the Director of Reward. This is a high-impact, group-wide role that plays a critical part in ensuring our reward practices attract, motivate and retain exceptional talent while aligning with our business goals and values.
As part of our Reward leadership team, you will have the opportunity to shape reward thinking at the highest level, simplify frameworks, and bring clarity to our reward offering during an exciting period of transformation.
Reporting into the Reward Director – this is a hybrid working role with a requirement to attend our Head Office in Farringdon, London.
Key Responsibilities
Play a key role in shaping and implementing the company\’s compensation approach, in alignment with business goals and HR strategy
Influence senior stakeholders – up to and including the Group CEO – on complex reward matters
Oversee and refine compensation structures, benchmarking methodologies, incentive plans and other reward initiatives
Lead the successful execution of annual salary reviews and bonus schemes, ensuring a consistent and fair employee experience
Analyse internal data and external market trends to maintain competitive positioning and highlight areas of misalignment
Provide expert, data-led guidance to senior leaders on reward policies and practices
Manage vendor relationships for compensation surveys and reward technology platforms
Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and business leaders to align reward with engagement and retention strategies
Ensure delivery of legal and regulatory requirements related to compensation requirements
Build effective relationships with trade union representatives to support pay discussions and negotiated outcomes
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing reward team
About You
Essential Skills and Experience:
Extensive experience of designing incentive schemes within large, complex or multinational organisations
Expertise in fixed and variable pay design and incentive structures
Strong ability to influence and communicate with senior stakeholders
Commercially minded, numerically strong, and able to interpret and present complex data clearly
Experience leading reward cycles and engaging in unionised pay negotiations
Comfortable operating in change-driven, fast-paced environments
Desirable:
CIPD qualified
Well-developed external reward network
Extra Benefits
Family friendly support – enhanced maternity pay, paternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave
Discounts and offers – there are more than 800 offers to help you save on things like groceries, days out, holidays and your household bills*.
Supportive and generous company sick pay
Your Wellbeing -you and your family have 24/7 access to services and tools to help you get the most out of life. From your physical and mental health to financial and social support and advice. It\’s free, and it\’s for everyone.
*Available only to perm employees
Next Steps
The next stage of the selection process will be a face to face/virtual interview consisting of competency based and role specific questions.
Royal Mail Group is committed to inclusion and representing the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals. As a proud Gold signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we especially encourage applications from the Armed Forces community, including cadet instructors and spouses/partners.
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to support you during the hiring process, please discuss these with your recruiter when contacted.
We are Forces family friendly and a Gold signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
For more information on Royal Mail Group and our values please click here:
Closing Date: 29th July 2025. Please note, this advert may close early if the appropriate number of applications has been reached.
#LI-Hybrid#LI-POST #LIMRT
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Head of Compensation employer: Royal Mail Group
Contact Detail:
Royal Mail Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compensation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in compensation and reward strategies. Understanding current market practices will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the compensation field, especially those who have experience in large, complex organisations. This can provide you with insights and potentially valuable connections that may assist you in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex data clearly will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this high-impact position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Royal Mail's current compensation practices and any recent changes or challenges they may be facing. Tailoring your insights and suggestions to their specific context can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compensation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Compensation position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in designing incentive schemes and influencing senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your extensive experience in compensation strategy, fixed and variable pay design, and your ability to lead reward cycles. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your expertise in compensation practices and how they align with Royal Mail's business goals. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications, such as CIPD certification.
Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate competency-based and role-specific questions during the interview process. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage complex reward initiatives effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mail Group
✨Understand the Compensation Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends in compensation and benefits, especially within large organisations. Be prepared to discuss how you would align Royal Mail's compensation strategy with these trends to attract and retain top talent.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex discussions or negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your ability to analyse data and market trends. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your data-driven insights led to successful compensation strategies or adjustments.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As a Head of Compensation, you'll be leading a team. Share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've mentored or developed teams in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure environments.
