Reward Partner (Education)

Reward Partner

Education Sector


VANRATH is delighted to be partnering with a Northern Ireland business, operating within the higher education sector, presently seeking a new Reward Partner to join their HR function.

This role has the primary responsibility to design and deliver a reward framework that enables a high-performance culture, enhances employee engagement, and strengthens the company's employer value proposition.

Essential Criteria

• A degree and/or postgraduate or professional qualification in a relevant subject, plus significant (minimum of 4 years) broad management/professional experience in similar or related reward roles* OR; Substantial vocational and relevant management experience demonstrating management ability in an appropriate professional or specialist capacity in similar reward roles*.
• Significant relevant experience leading large-scale change projects related to people and reward systems.
• Broad and deep working knowledge of Reward policies and processes.
• Demonstrable proficiency in HR information systems and data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, HRIS platforms, reporting dashboards), with the ability to extract, interpret and present complex reward data trends and patterns to support evidence-based strategic and operational decision-making.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Well-developed problem-solving capability.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable ability to adopt a credible approach which demonstrates clear understanding of business acumen.

* Reward leadership role(s) within a large, complex, unionised environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Member of CIPD or equivalent Reward related Professional qualification.
• Experience in the higher education sector.
• Familiarity and relevant experience with Korn Ferry Hay job evaluation methodology.
• Experience working in a matrixed organisation.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proven effective people management skills and experience effectively managing a team.
• Demonstrable knowledge of emerging HR technologies, including AI in reward and compensation.

The Package

• A strong base salary and highly competitive benefits package
• 43 days annual leave
• Highly attractive pension and much, much more.
• Hybrid working

To discuss your next HR related career move, speak with Richard McFarland (Assoc. CIPD) at VANRATH or to apply, please use the link below