Reward Business Partner (056525)

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative Reward specialist to join the University of Surrey HR Services on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover a period of maternity leave. We welcome applications at any point between 0.8 FTE and 1.0 FTE - the exact hours will be agreed based on the successful candidate’s preferences and availability.

About the role

You will take a strategic and consultative role in shaping and delivering the University’s reward, recognition and benefits activity to support attraction, retention and engagement. You’ll provide expert advice to leaders and HR colleagues, lead key reward initiatives, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and governance.

Key responsibilities

· Provide expert advice on pay, benefits and reward practices and support senior stakeholders.

· Design and implement recognition and reward initiatives that align with University values and strategy.

· Lead employee benefits procurement and management to ensure market-competitive, cost-effective provision.

· Manage reward compliance (including IR35 and global mobility considerations) and support job evaluation and salary benchmarking activity.

Essential skills and experience

· Demonstrable experience in reward, compensation or benefits advisory roles.

· Strong knowledge of reward practice, job evaluation and benefits management.

· Experience of managing compliance and working with payroll, legal or finance stakeholders.

· Excellent analytical, project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Surrey

Join a supportive, collegiate HR team delivering specialist expertise across the University. This is an excellent opportunity to influence university-wide reward strategy and to lead visible, impactful projects over a 12-month period. We are able to offer hybrid-working and flexible arrangements for this role, with ideally 3 days a week spent in our Guildford office.

Closing Date: 21 Nov 2025

Area: Professional Services

Salary: £58,225
Fixed Term - Maternity Cover