Head of Reward Operations

About the role

Airbus is seeking a visionary HR leader to head Reward Operations for its UK business. Reporting to the global Reward Centre of Excellence, you will steer a high‑performing team of 30 professionals and serve roughly 13,000 employees across the UK.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Reward Operations team, ensuring delivery of end‑to‑end compensation and benefits services.
• Oversee payroll and reward processes for approximately 13,000 staff, maintaining operational excellence.
• Drive strategic innovation, including the integration of AI into payroll workflows.
• Collaborate transnationally with global HR partners to align local execution with worldwide strategy.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across UK divisions, providing a seamless employee experience.

Required profile

• Proven senior HR leadership experience, preferably within large, complex organisations.
• Track record of managing sizeable teams and large‑scale reward programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead digital transformation initiatives in HR.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary, profit share, share options, pension and car‑leasing scheme.
• 35‑hour week with flexible holiday buying/selling.
• Personalised development plan, unlimited e‑learning and international mobility.
• Comprehensive health & wellbeing package including Bupa insurance, 24/7 GP, mental‑health support and onsite amenities.
• Generous family benefits: enhanced parental leave, adoption and caregiving leave, on‑site maternity rooms.
• Inclusive environment with employee resource groups, wellbeing and multi‑faith rooms.