Compensation & Rewards HR Partner

About the Role

As a pivotal contributor within the Reward & Benefits department, this role is focused on crafting and implementing a competitive, compliant, and motivating rewards system throughout the organisation. Positioned in Rushmere, Northern Ireland, the Compensation & Rewards HR Partner works closely with senior leadership, HR, Finance, and Payroll to influence reward strategies that attract, retain, and engage talent while ensuring internal SOX and external governance compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver expert, evidence-based guidance on compensation and reward policies to senior stakeholders and HR leadership.
• Support the formation and execution of a reward strategy that aligns with business goals.
• Ensure fair and consistent pay decisions across the organisation.
• Manage the complete lifecycle of core reward cycles including the Annual Salary Review and bonus programs.
• Oversee system configurations related to compensation modules, governance, and communications.
• Conduct comprehensive salary benchmarking and market analyses within FMCG and manufacturing sectors.
• Maintain and refine job architecture and leveling frameworks to promote equity and market competitiveness.
• Lead major reward projects such as pension consolidation and job architecture implementations.
• Contribute to broader HR transformation and cross-functional initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with reward-related legislation (e.g., equal pay), internal SOX controls, and external audits.
• Own reward governance processes for audit readiness and adherence to policies.
• Develop and update reward-related policies and procedures aligned with industry best practices.
• Analyze reward data to extract actionable insights and produce detailed reports such as pay trends, KPIs, bonus accruals, cost models, forecasting, executive dashboards, and board-level presentations.
• Support budgeting and financial planning related to reward and benefits.
• Collaborate closely with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of all reward elements including pensions.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships while delivering high-quality services per SLAs.
• Handle sensitive data with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Lead, manage, and develop the Reward Advisor, promoting team capabilities and performance.

Key Deliverables

• Execution of Annual Salary Review and Bonus Cycles.
• Governance and successful completion of pension consolidation projects.
• Implementation of job leveling frameworks.
• Salary benchmarking and ongoing market insight provision.
• Monthly reporting on bonus accruals.
• Development and maintenance of reward policies.
• Effective communication and execution of bonus plans.

Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of compensation, benefits, and reward structures.
• Understanding of employment legislation and pay governance.
• Hands-on experience delivering annual pay reviews and bonus programs.
• Strong analytical skills, especially advanced Excel proficiency.
• Ability to interpret complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• High discretion and professionalism in dealing with sensitive information.
• Experience with HR systems such as SAP or SuccessFactors is advantageous.
• Background in FMCG, manufacturing, or multi-site operations preferred.
• Experience in pension administration within UK/ROI is beneficial.
• Proven success in benchmarking, market analysis, job architecture frameworks, and reward transformation projects.
• CIPD Level 5 or 7 in HR/Reward and/or degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field is desirable.
• More than five years’ relevant experience in reward, HR, or related fields.

Additional Requirements

• Commercially astute with strong business insight.
• Self-driven and capable of working independently.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Holder of a full UK driving licence.