Head of Reward (1839)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for creating impactful reward strategies? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams? 

The RSPCA is seeking a talented Head of Reward to lead our reward function and drive our people strategy forward. This may be the ideal role for you.

This is an essential part of the People plan, this post reports into the Assistant Director - HR Operations and sits at the heart of the People & Culture team, aligning itself to provide strong support to the whole organisation.

As a senior manager you would possess the ability to think strategically, challenge the status quo and drive change, you will lead on creating a Total Reward approach based on the strategic element of the wider People Strategy.

Working hours: 35 hours per week - Monday - Friday. 

Salary: Circa £70,000, depending on experience. 

Hybrid role: You will work from home and from either our London or our Horsham office.

Hybrid working isn't a tick exercise for us - we live the values, expectation for this role will be some presence in the office where required to support your team or at the request of the AD - HR Operations.

We role model our values through our people culture and keep connected through regular/daily check-in's and team meetings, your colleagues are always on hand to support or chat. It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the get go! 

Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?

Here at RSPCA we know it's a cliche but no two days are the same; the role of Head of Reward is varied, challenging and rewarding. 

We have added a short summary of what the role entails, for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive reward strategy aligned with the organization's goals and values.
• Pay and Benefits: Oversee the design and administration of competitive pay and benefits packages, including base pay, bonuses, incentives and pensions. 
• Payroll: Knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance, processes, and payscales.
• Performance Management: Collaborate with HR to establish effective performance management systems that reward and recognize top performers.
• Employee Recognition: Foster a culture of appreciation and recognition through innovative programs and initiatives.
• Data Analysis: Utilize data analytics to measure the impact of reward programs and identify areas for improvement.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.
• Lead: Act as the RSPCA lead for our DC pension scheme, working closely with Pension Advisers and Master Trust provider to ensure high levels of member experience continues.

We think this is a great role and to add value it would be great if you had a match of these skills:

• Proven experience in a senior reward role, preferably within a complex organization.
• Strong understanding of reward principles, practices, and trends.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• CIPD qualification (or equivalent) is desirable.
• Extensive reward specialist experience in a multi-location organisation with exposure to operations teams would be beneficial. 
• Experience of producing Gender Pay Gap and Board level reports.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance, particularly in relation to compensation and pension schemes.
• Excellent team leader who works collaboratively across all stakeholder groups, supporting on a group and individual level.
• A proven ability to demonstrate a track record of successfully implementing a reward agenda that has made a difference to an organisation.
• Skills in strategic planning and the foresight to anticipate changes in the workforce and industry that could impact compensation and benefits.
• Strong at delivering hands-on reward initiatives both at an operational and strategic level.
• Pay roll experience.
• An understanding of related HR principles and policies.
• Ability to establish credibility with a wide range of staff and managers across the organisation including the ability to communicate effectively at Executive and Board level.

If you are passionate about reward and recognition for employees and pride yourself on providing specialist procedural advice & subject matter expertise, we'd love to hear from you!

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

The first interviews will be held on the 11th and 12th of December and the final interviews will be held on the 16th of December, both stages will be remote interviews. 

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect