HR Policy & Reward Specialist – Local Government

HR Policy & Reward Specialist – Local Government

💷 £358 per day (Inside IR35)

📅 Contract: 2-3 months (potential for extension)

📍 Hybrid – South London

We’re looking for an exceptional HR Policy & Reward Specialist to lead on the pay and reward agenda for a major transformation programme within a large public sector organisation. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and the humility to understand the context and success factors of the organisation to deliver lasting change.

You’ll oversee three key workstreams – legacy projects, business as usual, and future reward scoping, including a full pay and grading review. The role also supports the implementation of a new ERP system, so experience aligning pay and reward frameworks to large-scale system transformations will be key.

This organisation is deeply committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism. You’ll play a vital part in embedding these values across the workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and provide strategic direction on pay, performance management, reward and benefits strategies.
• Drive reviews of pay and grading structures, market factors, and non-financial recognition initiatives.
• Partner with Trade Unions on pay negotiations, working closely with the Head of HR Policy & Projects.
• Lead a small, high-performing team to deliver impactful change projects.
• Ensure ERP implementation aligns with governance, sustainability, and reward objectives.
• Collaborate closely with internal HR and key stakeholders.

Research, Policy & Development

• Apply deep knowledge of local government pay and reward to design effective remuneration strategies.
• Use data-driven insights to inform proposals and policy development.
• Lead on job evaluation using KornFerry Hay methodology and assess other frameworks for best fit.
• Apply strong employment law knowledge to guide benefits and reward decisions.
• Undertake research, equality impact assessments, and develop fit-for-purpose reward strategies.

Communication & Engagement

• Design and deliver engagement activities to involve staff and stakeholders in shaping the future.
• Represent the HR function in programme boards, team meetings, and stakeholder sessions.
• Build a culture of openness and transparency to drive collaboration and trust.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements