Compensation & Reward Lead
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | Reading/ Hybrid |
| Area | South East, UK |
| Sector | Human Resources |
| Salary | £68 Per Hour |
| Start Date | October 14th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Ashley Price |
| Job Ref | 7754-PSR1JP00105128 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | SC |
- Description
- The Client:
A government client is looking for a Compensation & Reward Lead to join them on a 12 month contract. This position will be based in Reading/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
The Compensation Lead will be responsible for delivering the compensation components of the reward strategy, including overseeing the provision of a mobility service. It will also manage the operational delivery of compensation, including pay, allowance and incentive structures and communications. This role will include direct line management of a mobility enablement position and task management of up to two analysts or coordinators to support effective delivery.
Key Accountabilities:
- Reporting to the Head of Reward:
- Maintaining all compensation frameworks, including base pay, allowances, and incentives.
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of compensation programmes, with recommendations based on business input, professional insight, and data.
- Ensuring the delivery of a domestic and international mobility service that supports business needs whilst remaining appropriately competitive and benchmarked with other public sector defence bodies.
- Conducting regular benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitive compensation offerings.
- Collaborating with HR and management to ensure compensation programmes are well-communicated and understood.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and any delegated authority or pay freedoms granted by the government.
- Meeting all internal and external audit requirements related to compensation.
- Providing expert advice and support to managers on compensation-related matters.
- Managing the annual pay review process and staff incentive distribution.
- The successful deployment of employees to overseas or domestic locations as required by the business.
- Offering professional guidance, leadership, and direction to reward professionals assigned to or reporting within this area.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of compensation programmes and make recommendations for change based upon business input, professional insight, knowledge and data
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and communicate pay ranges, allowances, and variable pay arrangements.
- Through a Mobility Enablement role, ensuring the communication and maintenance of a mobility framework, policy and process.
- Produce statutory reports, including gender pay gap analysis, with compensation insights and commentary.
- Advise on pay agreements across the business, acting as a subject matter expert and supporting the Industrial Relations lead in Trade Union discussions or negotiations.
- Generate and provide compensation-related data, including key performance indicators.
- Liaise with HR to ensure effective and compliant compensation uploads into payroll, offering oversight and guidance.
- Act as the focal point for all compensation-related internal and external audits, conducting internal checks and monitoring to proactively resolve issues.
- Line manage reward professionals providing professional develop
An active SC clearance is required for this role. At a minimum, candidates must be eligible and willing to undergo security clearance. Due to the short-term nature of the contract and the urgency of the requirement, the client may prioritise applicants who already hold active SC clearance and meet all essential criteria.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
Disability Confident:
As a member of the disability confident scheme, the Client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Armed Forces Covenant:
As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Client guarantees to interview all veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- Reporting to the Head of Reward:
