Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Interim Head of Compensation
Thames Valley
Hybrid
Competitive rate
Your new company
A leading, highly recognisable UK organisation is entering an exciting phase of transformation and growth following a major strategic evolution. As a result, an exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Head of Compensation to lead and shape a market-leading reward strategy across a large, complex workforce.
Your new role
Reporting into the Reward Director, you will take ownership of the compensation agenda for a multi-thousand employee population. This is a high-impact leadership role, where you will drive the design, governance, and delivery of innovative reward solutions that support business growth, transformation, and cultural change.
You'll lead a small but high-performing team, partnering with senior stakeholders across the business to ensure reward frameworks are competitive, equitable, and aligned with strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and execution of the organisation's compensation strategy and frameworks, including executive remuneration
- Own all cyclical reward activity, including annual pay review, bonus processes, job evaluation, and benchmarking
- Develop and deliver short and long-term incentive plans, including executive reward structures (bonus & LTIPs)
- Oversee compensation governance, ensuring adherence to regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g. pay reporting, policy frameworks)
- Partner with senior stakeholders across HR, finance, and the wider business to deliver impactful reward interventions
- Support the preparation of Remuneration Committee papers and executive pay proposals
- Lead on compensation-related transformation projects, delivering change at pace within a dynamic environment
- Build strong relationships with employee representatives and support negotiations where required
- Coach and develop a high-performing compensation team, driving capability and continuous improvement
What you'll need to succeed
We're looking for a commercially minded, strategic reward leader with the ability to balance innovation with robust governance.
- Proven experience leading compensation strategy in a complex, fast-paced organisation
- Deep expertise across executive remuneration, including incentive design (STIP/LTIP)
- Strong knowledge of UK reward regulations and governance frameworks
- Experience managing annual pay cycles and large-scale reward processes
- A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and operating at executive level
- Strong leadership capability with experience developing high-performing teams
- The ability to navigate ambiguity, drive change, and deliver at pace
- Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
What you'll get in return
Competitive day rate, hybrid working
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
Make this application stronger
Use these quick checks before applying so your CV, interview preparation and job search are better matched to this vacancy.
Before you apply
Check the key details and make sure the role matches what you are looking for.
- Review the job title, company, location, salary and working pattern if provided.
- Check the skills, experience or qualifications requested by the employer.
- Make sure the commute, hours and contract type are realistic for you.
Tailor your CV
For Teaching Jobs, highlight the most relevant skills, experience and achievements linked to this type of work. Keep it honest, clear and focused on what the employer is asking for.
Use the CV Builder or browse Career Advice.
Prepare for interview
If your application is successful, prepare simple examples that show your motivation, strengths and suitability.
Keep searching smarter
Do not rely on one application. Keep searching similar roles and set up alerts so new vacancies reach you faster.