Compensation Specialist

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

Purpose

This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of compensation services is consistent, accurate, timely and operates to the best practice in a fast-paced environment. Supports the team to process, verify, reconcile and ensure compliance is met.

You'll be responsible for:

• Designing, reviewing, and maintaining compensation frameworks, including salary structures, pay ranges, and job grading methodologies to support business and reward strategies.
• Leading annual compensation review cycles, providing recommendations on pay increase budget allocation and ensuring fair, competitive, and equitable salary decisions.
• Administering and executing incentive and bonus programs, including bonus modelling, allocation, validation, and implementation in line with approved frameworks and business objectives.
• Supporting pay reviews and compensation programs across multiple countries, ensuring consistency while considering local market practices and legislative requirements.
• Monitoring and reviewing compensation- and employment-related legislative changes to ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
• Partnering with HR, Finance, and business leaders to provide data-driven insights and recommendations on compensation and reward matters.
• Developing, maintaining, and continuously improving compensation-related processes, policies, toolkits, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Driving process improvement initiatives and implementing audit-approved enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.
• Supporting audit and compliance activities through the preparation, collation, and distribution of required documentation and reports.
• Acting as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex compensation and reward queries requiring technical expertise and sound judgement.
• Monitoring trends, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending practical solutions to improve compensation and reward practices.
• Working closely with global stakeholders, including UK-based teams, to deliver compensation projects and initiatives as required.
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing junior team members, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Building strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure effective delivery of compensation and reward services.

You'll need to have:

• Proven experience in Compensation or a related discipline within a multinational or shared services environment.
• Strong experience designing pay ranges, salary structures, compensation frameworks, and managing annual salary review processes.
• Experience administering and managing bonus and incentive programs, including allocation methodologies and budget management.
• Solid understanding of compensation benchmarking, market analysis, job evaluation, and reward governance principles.
• Experience supporting compensation and reward activities across multiple countries and regions.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of deliverables, and seek guidance when necessary.
• Proven ability to balance attention to detail with a pragmatic approach when business priorities require flexibility and agility.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence decision-making.
• Confidence handling complex queries, challenging constructively when required, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and legislative requirements.
• Experience partnering with external vendors and managing stakeholder relationships to achieve desired outcomes.

You’ll also have:

• Good knowledge of UK and/or international payroll, benefits, employment, and compensation-related legislation.
• Exposure to UK benefits and reward programs is advantageous; however, experience supporting global compensation and benefits programs is equally valued.
• Professional qualifications such as CIPP, Payroll, HR, Finance, or equivalent experience are advantageous.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity- Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.