Compensation Manager, EMEA in London

About the Role & Team

At The Walt Disney Company, magic is more than just a word; it’s a way of life. For a century, we’ve been inspiring imaginations, celebrating diversity, and bringing families together through our beloved stories, characters, and experiences. We are looking for an experienced Compensation Manager to make a meaningful impact and be part of our dynamic team here in London!

The Compensation Manager will oversee the delivery of a professional and effective compensation service for designated Lines of Business (LOB), Support Functions, and select countries across EMEA. This role entails developing and implementing tailored, commercially focused solutions and programmes that align with business objectives and regional needs.

Partnering with HRBP’s, other HR COE’s and Global Compensation teams, this role will provide advice and guidance on the delivery of compensation initiatives/policies/processes. Additionally, the role will support cross-LOB compensation initiatives and region-wide projects, driving consistency and impact across all countries within the EMEA region.

As one of the senior members of the team, the Manager will help develop the talented team of Analysts alongside the other managers. They will need to be able to work with autonomy and deal with multiple diverse stakeholders within their own function and the wider business.

Please Note: This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.

What You Will Do

• Work in partnership with equivalent peers in the US offices in order to establish efficient compensation processes which align global initiatives with local practice.
• Identify, design, gain necessary approval and implement tailored reward solutions within agreed operating frameworks.
• Act as an ‘Internal Consultant’ for assigned Business Areas on all projects/initiatives with a compensation impact.
• Act as ‘Subject Matter Expert’ for identified area: consult and advise local HR during business case development and take forward to US for approval.
• Act as ‘Process Owner’ for identified area: Manage the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of process for the entire Region working with key stakeholders to achieve successful end to end delivery.
• Working closely with the business and local HR, manage the deal development/negotiations on all Executive packages (Director & above) using local benchmarking information and working within the agreed approval matrix.
• Work with local HR in the development and/or maintenance of salary ranges for the Region.
• Develop and/or maintain external networks at a Regional level to act efficiently as an expert in trends and comp initiatives for the EMEA market. Suggest changes if appropriate to Country HR.
• Apply commercial thinking and an understanding of the business and HR to provide pragmatic and informed HR solutions and ideas which meet both the business needs and fit with the HR agenda.
• Monitor the competitiveness of Regional compensation plans and work with local HR to ensure legal compliance where necessary. Following the Global approval matrix make recommendations for change as necessary.
• Line management of two analysts, including responsibility of work delegation and development, including performance reviews.
• Responsible for the provision of pro-active compensation support to the Country HR heads, LOB heads and local HR teams.
• Accountable to Senior Manager, Compensation EMEA to ensure Company policy is followed on all Compensation activities.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree level or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrable experience in Compensation at Manager level.
• Experience of working in a multi-national, fast-paced, progressive commercial organisations.
• Experience of partnering with Senior Executives.
• Experience of team management would be highly desirable.
• Proficiency in/knowledge of compensation & benefits consultancy reporting tools and surveys would be an advantage.
• A proficiency in/experience using HR Information Systems (Workday or SAP) would be an advantage.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills is a necessity.
• Demonstratable Commercial knowledge and understanding.
• Evidence of having successfully program managed projects or programs, achieving satisfaction & timeline objectives.
• Strong communication skills in the presentation of plans for review and approval, and in communication of plans to managers and employees.
• Specific EMEA experience would be highly advantageous.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency is essential.
• High level of IT literacy and use of Microsoft Office packages would be an advantage.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.