Reward Lead – 11‑Month Fixed‑Term (Maternity Cover)

About the role

South West Water is seeking an experienced Reward Lead on an 11‑month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. You will shape the organisation’s reward strategy, ensuring pay, benefits and recognition programmes are competitive, fair and aligned with business goals. This role sits within the People & Culture team and works closely with senior leaders across the utility.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the overall reward agenda and annual reward activities.
• Manage salary reviews, benchmarking and compensation frameworks.
• Provide expert guidance on reward policy, pay governance and market trends.
• Lead job evaluation and grading activities using WTW methodologies.
• Support organisational change, role design and workforce planning projects.
• Analyse reward data and deliver insights to inform business decisions.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to drive fair and effective reward practices.

Required profile

• Proven experience in reward management within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of compensation, benefits and recognition programmes.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and work collaboratively across functions.
• Experience delivering job evaluation and grading projects.

Required skills

• WTW job evaluation methodology

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £65,000‑£75,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to influence reward strategy in a leading water utility.
• Exposure to a purpose‑driven organisation focused on sustainability.