Head of Reward

About the role

The Head of Reward will lead the total reward strategy for a fast‑growing organisation, ensuring that pay, incentives and benefits attract and retain top talent while supporting business performance. Reporting to the People Director, the role oversees the annual reward cycle, governance and benefits strategy, and works closely with Finance, Payroll and the wider People team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and own the total reward strategy, aligning compensation, bonuses, share schemes and benefits with business objectives.
• Manage the annual reward calendar, including salary reviews, bonus planning, commission structures and benefits renewals.
• Design and maintain salary frameworks, job banding, job evaluation and benchmarking to ensure fair, competitive pay.
• Oversee bonus and commission schemes, partnering with senior leadership to drive performance.
• Govern employee share schemes in collaboration with Finance, Legal and external advisers.
• Lead the benefits strategy, managing platforms and insured benefits such as private medical, life assurance and wellbeing programmes.
• Support reward integration for acquisitions and negotiate with benefits brokers to secure cost‑effective coverage.
• Ensure compliance with pension auto‑enrolment, National Minimum Wage and UK reward regulations.
• Provide reward analytics, benchmarking data and market insight to senior leadership.
• Lead gender pay gap reporting, remuneration committee support and pay transparency initiatives.

Required profile

• Significant leadership experience within Reward, Compensation & Benefits, preferably in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to design and implement total reward frameworks and manage complex benefit programmes.
• Experience working with Finance, Legal and senior business leaders on reward‑related projects.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate market data into strategic recommendations.

Required skills