Reward Partner

The WMCAs People and Culture service is currently undergoing a transformation, restructuring as it moves towards a new Target Operating Model. This change in structure emphasises the importance of pay and reward, supporting the design of roles, and guiding stakeholders on reward frameworks and relevant legislation.

As a Reward Partner, you will support the development and delivery of a total reward and recognition strategy aligned with WMCA’s strategic and People & Culture objectives. As mentioned above, you’ll be acting as a subject matter expert, providing advisory and analytical support across all aspects of reward whilst ensuring the effective implementation of policies and frameworks.

You’ll lead the day-to-day job evaluation process, contribute to the development of job families, and support the management of benefits - working closely with stakeholders to deliver a fair, consistent, and future-focused reward offering.

What you will be doing.

• Contribute to a high-quality Reward Service aligned with WMCA’s strategic goals.
• Support the development and delivery of total reward and recognition strategies.
• Maintain reward governance, including grading, titles, and job family structures.
• Lead on job family development and organisational alignment.
• Collaborate with People & Culture on workforce planning and job design.
• Provide expert reward advice to leaders, managers, and employees and influence reward decisions through stakeholder engagement and insight.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Guide on reward frameworks and support related initiatives.
• Advise on job descriptions and challenge regrading rationale.
• Share best practice through external networks and partnerships.
• Manage and improve the job evaluation process.
• Provide robust evaluation rationales and support panel decisions.
• Analyse data to inform evidence-based reward recommendations and conduct evaluations and benchmarking to ensure fair, market-aligned pay.
• Chair job evaluation panels when required.
• Standardise job design and maintain role alignment across job families.
• Support benefit management and promote the total reward offer.
• Contribute to grading structures and future-proofing initiatives.
• Collaborate on career pathways development.
• Support People & Culture projects and stay updated on sector trends.
• Oversee Reward Team activities to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Ensure value for money and compliance in financial activities, and ensure compliance with equal pay legislation and mitigate risks.

What’s essential.

• Relevant HR/reward qualification or equivalent experience.
• Ongoing professional development in Pay, Reward & Recognition, with experience in large, complex organisations, including role evaluation.
• HR experience with insight into pay/reward impact across the employee lifecycle.
• Strong data analysis skills to inform reward strategy and highlight risks, with an in-depth knowledge of market reward and benefits practices.
• Expertise in job evaluation and pay benchmarking.
• Skilled at presenting complex information clearly, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong numerate, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to influence senior stakeholders and navigate legal pay/reward issues using your in-depth understanding of employment law and risk management, and HR policies and procedures.
• Strong professional network and knowledge-sharing mindset
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative, with excellent interpersonal and influencing abilities
• Thrives in fast-paced team environments
• Confident decision-maker using data and expertise.

Location. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).