Head of Reward and Pensions in London
Head of Reward and Pensions

Head of Reward and Pensions in London

London Full-Time 95000 - 105000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
We Are Adam

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of reward strategies and ensure fair pay practices.
  • Company: Dynamic organisation focused on performance, culture, and colleague experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and commitment to equity and inclusion.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team and influence meaningful change in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on how reward supports long-term success for the business.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in senior Reward leadership and strong commercial judgement.

The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 £ per year.

We’re looking for an experienced Reward leader to shape and deliver a reward agenda that genuinely supports performance, culture and colleague experience.

Reporting to the People Director and sitting on the People Leadership Team, you’ll play a key role in steering the organisation through a period of meaningful business and cultural change. You’ll take ownership of reward in its broadest sense: pay, incentives, pensions, benefits, recognition and the insight that underpins good decision‑making.

This role blends strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery. You’ll set direction, influence at the highest levels, and ensure that what’s designed actually works in practice for colleagues and leaders alike.

What you’ll do (a snapshot)

  • Lead the development and delivery of reward strategy, policies and frameworks aligned to business priorities
  • Be responsible for pay and grading and role architecture, advising senior and executive leaders on pay decisions
  • Design and deliver clear, engaging incentive schemes and lead annual pay review and bonus cycles
  • Ensure reward practices are compliant, fair and inclusive, including gender pay reporting
  • Own people and reward data and insight, producing meaningful reporting and recommendations for leaders
  • Oversee pensions strategy and benefits provision, including healthcare, group risk and wellbeing programmes
  • Lead recognition programmes and be a key figure (alongside other leaders) in wellbeing activities and working groups
  • Build reward capability across the wider People team through coaching and education

What you’ll bring

  • Extensive experience in a senior Reward leadership role
  • Strong commercial judgement and the ability to turn strategy into practical delivery
  • Deep expertise in role architecture, job evaluation and the National Living Wage
  • Confidence working in complex, fast‑moving environments
  • A clear, credible communication style and strong data literacy
  • A collaborative, pragmatic leadership approach

This is a high‑impact role with real scope to influence how reward supports long‑term success for the business and for colleagues. This role is offered on a permanent basis, with a hybrid model of c2 office days per week.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to everything that we do. We are committed to these values, and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are more than happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require.

Head of Reward and Pensions in London employer: We Are Adam

As a leading employer in Bedfordshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a collaborative environment where your strategic insights can shape the future of our reward practices. With a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, we offer a meaningful role that not only supports business success but also enhances colleague experience.
We Are Adam

Contact Detail:

We Are Adam Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Reward and Pensions in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around equity, diversity, and inclusion – it’s a big deal for them!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic thinking and hands-on delivery skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward and Pensions in London

Reward Strategy Development
Pay and Grading Expertise
Role Architecture
Job Evaluation
Incentive Scheme Design
Annual Pay Review Management
Compliance and Fairness in Reward Practices
Gender Pay Reporting
Data Analysis and Insight Generation
Pensions Strategy Oversight
Benefits Provision Management
Wellbeing Programme Leadership
Coaching and Education in Reward Capability
Strong Communication Skills
Commercial Judgement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in reward leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your ability to blend strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. We’re looking for someone who can not only design effective reward strategies but also implement them successfully.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and experiences. We appreciate a credible communication style that gets straight to the heart of the matter.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Adam

✨Know Your Reward Strategy

Before the interview, dive deep into the company's current reward strategy. Understand their pay structures, benefits, and any recent changes they've made. This will not only show your interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully implemented reward strategies or navigated complex environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Showcase Your Data Literacy

Since the role requires strong data literacy, be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous positions. Bring examples of reports you've created or insights you've derived that led to impactful changes in reward practices.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusion

Highlight your collaborative approach and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you've fostered inclusive reward practices in the past and how you plan to continue this in the new role. This aligns perfectly with the company's values and mission.

Head of Reward and Pensions in London
We Are Adam
Location: London

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