Overview

Interim Reward Specialist — Contract: 12-month fixed-term. Location: Cheshire (Northwich). Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00 with flexibility. Interview: 2 stages (1 virtual, 1 in-person).

What you'll do

As a Reward Specialist on a 12-month fixed-term contract, you will help shape how employees are recognised and rewarded across the organisation. You will collaborate with HR partners to design fair, transparent reward frameworks that reflect market conditions and internal values. You will own key processes including annual pay reviews, benefits administration, bonus scheme management, and policy development. By monitoring industry trends and regulatory changes, you will ensure reward offerings stay competitive and support broader organisational goals. Your ability to communicate complex information clearly will be essential as you advise managers and employees on compensation matters.

• Collaborate with HR colleagues to design, implement, and review reward policies that align with objectives and promote engagement.
• Lead annual pay review processes, including salary benchmarking, market analysis, and recommendations for pay adjustments.
• Manage administration of employee benefits programmes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and clear communication.
• Support delivery of bonus schemes and incentive plans with clear eligibility criteria and performance metrics.
• Advise managers and employees on reward-related queries with empathetic, clear explanations of policies and procedures.
• Monitor external trends in compensation and benefits to maintain industry competitiveness.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior stakeholders on reward initiatives and outcomes.
• Contribute to wider HR projects such as job evaluation and gender pay gap reporting as required.
• Ensure all reward activities comply with legislation and internal governance standards.

What you bring

To excel, you will have substantial experience in compensation or benefits within medium or large organisations. You should have hands-on experience designing reward frameworks, conducting salary benchmarking, managing benefit schemes, and supporting annual pay reviews. You will be analytical, able to interpret data accurately, and skilled at communicating outcomes. Interpersonal skills to collaborate across teams and handle confidential matters are essential. A thorough understanding of UK employment legislation is required; familiarity with gender pay gap reporting or job evaluation methodologies would be advantageous.

• Experience in reward management or compensation and benefits within medium or large organisations.
• Proven track record of managing annual pay review cycles and salary benchmarking.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting compensation or benefits data.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder-facing communication skills.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law relating to pay, benefits, equality, diversity, inclusion, and gender pay gap reporting.
• Experience administering employee benefits programmes such as pensions or healthcare is desirable.
• Collaborative approach and interest in supporting others through change management or process improvements in HR.

What sets this company apart

This organisation prioritises nurturing talent through supportive leadership, collaboration, empathy, and shared success. The company promotes an inclusive environment where ideas are welcomed from all levels. Flexible working opportunities and ongoing training are available to help you grow your reward management expertise and expand your network. The culture emphasises kindness, respect, dependability, and a genuine commitment to helping everyone thrive.

What’s next

If you’re ready to apply your expertise in reward management within an inclusive team, apply today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the job

Contract Type: 12-month fixed-term (interim)

Specialism: Human Resources

Industry: Human Resources and Personnel

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum (pro-rata)

Location: Northwich, Cheshire

Job Reference: Z061J0-118F5171