About the role Pay and Reward Specialist

We are looking for an experienced Pay and Reward Specialist to provide professional expertise across pay, reward and job evaluation.

Working in a complex, unionised and highly governed environment, you will lead complex and high-risk job evaluation and reward matters. You will ensure that decisions are consistent, evidence-based, equitable and compliant with Council policy, legislation, governance requirements and financial constraints.

You will support the Head of Pay, Reward and Performance in managing equal pay risk, maintaining governance standards and developing a consistent organisational approach to pay and reward. You will also provide leadership, direction and quality assurance to Pay and Reward Consultants and Officers, helping the team deliver accurate, timely and high-quality work.

What you will be doing Pay and Reward Specialist

In this influential role, you will:

• Lead complex and high-risk job evaluation, grading and appeal cases.
• Provide authoritative advice to managers, HR colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure the consistent application of job evaluation frameworks and pay policies.
• Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance across pay, reward and payroll matters.
• Lead pay-related aspects of organisational change and restructuring, including job design, pay modelling and labour market research.
• Analyse workforce and pay data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Oversee pay policy, equal pay audits, pay reporting and wider assurance activity.
• Support governance processes, including the People Resourcing Board, Job Evaluation Panels and Individual Right to Review arrangements.
• Manage and coordinate the work of Pay and Reward Consultants and Officers.
• Build team capability through coaching, guidance and professional support.
• Identify and help mitigate legal, operational and financial risks associated with pay and reward.

About you Pay and Reward Specialist

You will have advanced knowledge of job evaluation methodologies and pay frameworks, including NJC arrangements. You will also have a strong understanding of equal pay legislation, equal pay audits and the associated legal and financial risks.

You will bring:

• CIPD Level 5 to 7, or equivalent professional experience in pay, reward and performance within an HR environment.
• Significant experience delivering pay, reward and job evaluation activity in a complex organisation.
• Experience applying different job evaluation schemes and working with key stakeholders.
• Experience managing or coordinating workloads across a team or service.
• Experience handling complex or high-risk pay cases.
• Experience working in a heavily unionised and public-sector environment.
• Experience leading job evaluation and appeal activity with stakeholders, including trade unions.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• The ability to provide authoritative advice and apply sound professional judgement.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities