Reward Operations Manager

The Reward Operations Manager will lead the operational delivery of all Reward activities, acting as the second point of escalation for BAU matters across compensation, benefits, and incentives. This role will ensure governance, accuracy, and compliance in day-to-day processes while also driving continuous improvement and automation through systems such as Workday.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the operational delivery of reward processes including job architecture, salary ranges, market profiles, benefits administration oversight, and incentive scheme governance.
• Act as 2nd point of escalation for BAU queries (stage 1 resolution handled by Analysts and Retail Incentive Specialist).
• Oversee and project manage cyclical reward activities (eg TGBS, Annual Compensation Review) ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Partner with Payroll (UK and international) to ensure benefit processes are accurate and compliant, acting as managerial back-up for UK benefits governance.
• Coach, mentor, and develop the Reward Analysts to build capability and resilience in the team.
• Oversee ad-hoc reward projects ensuring delivery against agreed objectives.
• Drive process improvement, automation, and standardisation of reward operations across markets.
• Maintain strong compliance with legal, tax, and data protection requirements in all reward processes.

Skills & experience:

• Significant experience in Reward/Compensation & Benefits operations within a complex, multi-country organisation.
• Strong people management skills with experience leading analysts/specialists.
• Advanced Workday capability (reporting, compensation modules) desirable.
• Proven ability to manage cyclical reward processes to tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel / modelling capability.
• Confident communicator able to influence at senior levels and manage escalations.