Head of Reward, Systems and Data
| Posting date: | 24 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £61,000.0 to £70,500.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £61,000-£70,500 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 26 March 2026 |
| Location: | Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK15 4EF |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 4773821_1771943004 |
Summary
An exciting opportunity for a Head of Reward, Systems and Data - 18 Month FTC. Are you a Head of Reward who can blend deep expertise in pay modelling, pay framework design, and HR systems optimisation? Do you thrive in environments where modernisation, data, and digital innovation are at the heart of transformation? If so, this role offers the perfect platform to make a significant impact. I am seeking a forward-thinking Head of Reward, Systems & Data to lead the evolution of a reward framework, strengthen systems and data capability, and drive digital innovation across People & Culture.
What you'll be leadingReward Strategy & Pay Framework Modernisation
- Review, redesign and modernise the pay and grading framework to ensure fairness, competitiveness and alignment with best practice.
- Lead benchmarking, pay modelling and reward-related policy development.
- Provide expert advice and high‑quality reporting to senior stakeholders and governance groups.
Systems Leadership & Digital Enablement
- Lead the effective and optimal use of HR systems, ensuring data integrity, process efficiency and a seamless user experience.
- Identify and implement system enhancements that improve reporting capability, automation and workflow efficiency.
- Drive the adoption of digital solutions that streamline People & Culture processes.
Data, Analytics & Insight
- Develop and maintain dashboards, analytics and reporting tools that support evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Strengthen data literacy across the People & Culture team and champion the use of analytics to drive strategic outcomes.
AI, Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Introduce and embed AI tools and techniques to enhance operational efficiency, insight and decision‑making.
- Lead projects that modernise HR processes, improve data quality and build organisational capability.
- Monitor sector trends and emerging technologies to ensure we remain competitive and compliant.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Build strong partnerships with Finance, IT, Payroll and senior leadership to ensure alignment across reward, systems and data.
- Contribute as a member of the People & Culture Senior Management Team, role‑modelling our values and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Lead and develop your team, ensuring high performance, growth and wellbeing.
What we're looking for
- You must have experience as a Head of Reward / Reward Manager with strong experience in pay modelling and pay framework design.
- You must have proven ability to deliver improvements and enhancements to HR systems - you'll be systems‑savvy and data‑driven.
- A track record of driving automation, digital solutions and AI‑enabled improvements.
- Strong analytical capability and the ability to translate data into meaningful insight.
- A collaborative leader who can influence, partner and deliver at pace.
If you're excited by the opportunity to shape reward strategy, elevate systems capability and lead digital innovation, I'd love to hear from you. This role is Hybrid 3 days a week in the office and two days working from home.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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