Head of Total Reward & Payroll (Maternity Cover) in London

Head of Total Reward & Payroll (Maternity Cover) in London

London Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
SEGA Europe Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop Total Reward strategies, guiding compensation, benefits, and payroll.
  • Company: Join SEGA, a top interactive entertainment company with a creative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, wellness programmes, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and fun gaming activities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the gaming industry while fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Total Reward functions and knowledge of EU Pay Transparency Directive required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About SEGA

SEGA is one of the leading interactive entertainment companies in the world, with our European HQ based in West London and development studios spanning the UK and Bulgaria. Known for quality and creativity above all else, our studios include Sports Interactive, Two Point Studios, Hardlight and Creative Assembly. At the heart of SEGA is our publishing team based in London, where we help the studios bring their creative vision to life. Together, we drive the continued success and evolution of our Western business through living our company values of being product focused, embracing true partnerships and always having fun so that we can strive to come together as One SEGA.

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced Head of Total Reward to join us on a 15‑month maternity cover contract. Reporting into the VP, HR, this role will operate as the senior Reward lead for the organisation. You will be comfortable working autonomously and with ambiguity, using your knowledge and experience to continue progressing the development of our central Total Reward function which provides expert guidance and support to our European business of 1,300 employees.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide expert guidance across the areas that make up Total Reward at SEGA: compensation, benefits and payroll.
  • Lead, coach and develop a small team of three (our Payroll & Benefits Manager, Compensation Manager and Total Reward Analyst).
  • Own governance of our SEGA Job Architecture, identifying areas for improvement and embedding it in both Total Reward and HR processes.
  • Review, develop, improve and document processes and practices across Total Reward.
  • Lead on pay transparency initiatives, particularly with respect to the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
  • Embed the Total Reward function within the business, partnering with senior leadership and HR leadership to provide guidance on reward best practices.
  • Foster strong collaboration with the wider Central HR teams (HR Systems, HR Operations, Learning & Development) and Finance teams to improve reward processes and decision‑making.
  • Accountable for our cyclical reward processes, including the annual compensation planning cycles, bonus cycles, benefits renewals, UK Gender Pay Gap Reporting, benchmarking submissions and more.
  • Ensure high‑quality execution of all cyclical and BAU processes throughout the team.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Strong attention to detail, highly analytical and highly organised.
  • Professionally qualified (e.g. CIPD, CIPP or equivalent).
  • Strong knowledge of compensation, benefits and payroll practices.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
  • Previous experience building out a Total Reward function.
  • Previous experience working in the gaming or technology industry.
  • Previous experience managing in‑house and international payrolls.
  • Previous experience working with our external benchmarking providers (Croner, Radford and Willis Towers Watson) and job evaluation methodology (Mercer IPE).
  • Previous experience working with Workday HRIS systems.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package that includes life assurance, income protection, private healthcare & dental insurance schemes and an enhanced contributory pension scheme.
  • Competitive salaries and a fantastic bonus scheme.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Wellness programmes: access to discounted gym membership, ride‑to‑work scheme, workout area, bootcamps, weekly yoga classes and in‑house massage therapy.
  • Gaming opportunities: lunchtime gaming sessions in our games lounge, Club SEGA, regular gaming tournaments and free SEGA games on Steam.
  • Regular lunch & learn sessions, company updates at venues in Central London and Christmas parties.
  • Access to fresh fruit and cereal every single day.

All applicants are welcome!

Head of Total Reward & Payroll (Maternity Cover) in London employer: SEGA Europe Ltd

SEGA is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration in the heart of West London. With a comprehensive benefits package, flexible working hours, and unique wellness programmes, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The opportunity to lead a dedicated team within a renowned interactive entertainment company not only fosters growth but also allows for meaningful contributions to the gaming industry.

SEGA Europe Ltd

Contact Details:

SEGA Europe Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Total Reward & Payroll (Maternity Cover) in London

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

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Apply Directly Through Our Website

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Total Reward & Payroll (Maternity Cover) in London

Attention to Detail
Analytical Skills
Organisational Skills
CIPD Qualification
CIPP Qualification
Compensation Knowledge
Benefits Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at SEGA Europe Ltd. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at SEGA Europe Ltd

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at SEGA Europe Ltd, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that SEGA Europe Ltd uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at SEGA Europe Ltd.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at SEGA Europe Ltd.