Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Reward Manager to join the London office on a 12 month contract to provide advice and guidance (as a subject matter expert on reward) to Heads of HR and their teams (both in UK and globally), to manage the annual salary and bonus review process for specific client groups, including benchmarking, salary band recommendations, bonus pro-ration calculations and implementation of new salaries and bonuses through PeopleSoft and payroll and to work on ad hoc projects covering a range of reward related activity e.g. recognition, benefits audits, new benefits etc.

Role and responsibilities

• Manage the annual salary and bonus review process for specific client groups.
  • Carry out annual job matching exercise, conduct detailed market review, develop salary band recommendations, conduct joiners and leavers analysis, and calculate compa-ratios to help inform the overall budget setting process.
  • Guide Heads of HR and HR Managers through the process including providing timetables, training, and advice.
  • Work with the Senior Reward Manager to produce presentations and proposals for key decisions makers (partners/directors)
  • Prepare bonus pro-ration calculations.
  • Working with Heads of HR and HR Managers globally and the Expatriate Tax Senior Manager to track international assignments / transfers and to ensure that salaries bonuses are processed and taxed correctly.
  • Work with the Resourcing team to a) track new / future joiners to ensure that salaries are communicated and processed correctly and b) understand the external market and any hotspots.
  • Work with Heads of HR and HR Managers to provide reward advice and recommendations for bi-annual promotions.
  • Once all proposals are finalised work closely with the HR Systems and Payroll teams to ensure that all new salaries and bonuses are implemented correctly in payroll.
• Work with the other Reward Manager to manage the annual salary survey data submission process, including any ad-hoc salary surveys throughout the year.
• Provide advice and guidance to Heads of HR, HR Managers, and the Resourcing team on all aspects of reward.
• Work with Heads of HR and HR Managers (both in the UK and globally) on ad-hoc reward projects including market analysis, salary structures, bonus scheme designs, new benefits, recognition etc., ensuring that proposals are aligned to our global reward principles and people strategy.
• Provide advice and guidance to client groups on how and when to use job evaluation, including sitting on job evaluation panels.
• Work with third party providers of market data on ad-hoc market analysis projects including the development of bespoke surveys for new / emerging markets, particular market hotspots etc.
  • Maintain network with third party providers and regularly attend steering group / participant meetings.
• Respond to requests from Finance regarding salary and bonus costings, budgets etc.
• Develop and maintain reward expertise.
  • Stay abreast of market developments, particularly in the legal sector.
  • Follow the development of new legislation that will impact reward policy.
  • Identify innovative ideas or best practice from other global organisations.
  • Understand local markets and who our key competitors are for talent.
  • Develop external networks and attend relevant conferences.

Key requirements

• Graduate qualification with CIPD or similar certification.
• Previous reward experience, ideally from a professional services background.
• Excellent IT skills especially in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interact at all levels of seniority, building and developing strong client relationships.
• Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated experience of interpreting data and producing high quality, accurate management information.
• High level of organisation skills with the ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
• Excellent communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to both nurture and work in a fast paced and intellectually rigorous environment.
• A person of sound judgement, able to establish a high level of credibility in the organisation and act as a trusted advisor.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 47 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.