Interim Head of Compensation
Thames Valley
Hybrid
Competitive rate
Your new companyA 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 roleReporting 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 succeedWe'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 returnCompetitive day rate, hybrid working What you need to do nowIf 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
