Job Summary: Rewards & Benefits Manager

Executive Search (Private Equity & Venture Capital focus) Represented by VWA, a leading PE-backed search firm is seeking a specialist Rewards & Benefits Manager to join their People function in Central London. This is a high-visibility, “early 2026 start” role for a strategist who can design and execute compensation frameworks that attract and retain elite talent across the UK, North America, Europe, and APAC. Operating in the high-stakes world of PE and VC, you will be the architect of a reward strategy that balances commercial rigor with a people-focused culture.

Requirements and Skills

Specialist Expertise: Proven experience in a dedicated Rewards & Benefits role, ideally within Executive Search, Professional Services, or Financial Services.
Technical Benchmarking: Deep knowledge of compensation structures, incentive schemes, and annual cycle management.
Analytical Rigor: An analytical mindset capable of providing data-driven reporting to support strategic board-level decisions.
Stakeholder Management: Confident in partnering with senior leadership in a relationship-driven, fast-paced environment.
Global Literacy: Familiarity with managing reward and benefit programs across international offices (US, Europe, APAC).
Sector Awareness: Ability to monitor regulatory developments and talent trends within the Private Equity and Venture Capital landscapes.

Role Overview

You will own the Compensation & Benefits agenda, shifting from data management to strategic influence. Working directly with the HR Director, you will oversee the total reward lifecycle—from annual salary reviews and complex bonus structures to the implementation of new, market-aligned benefit programs. Your goal is to elevate the firm’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP), ensuring that their reward offerings are not just competitive, but “best-in-class” for the intellectually demanding world of executive recruitment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership: Define and drive the reward strategy across the UK and international markets.
Comp Cycle Management: Lead the annual compensation cycle, managing benchmarking, salary reviews, and incentive payouts.
Benefit Innovation: Review and enhance benefit programs to ensure they align with the latest market trends and retention goals.
Stakeholder Partnership: Act as the subject matter expert for senior leadership on all reward frameworks and structures.
Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of the curve on regulatory shifts and competitive movements in the PE/VC talent space.
People Projects: Support broader culture and retention initiatives, using analytical insights to shape the firm’s EVP.

Salary and Premium Benefits

Salary: £85,000 – £140,000 per annum (dependent on experience).
Working Pattern: Hybrid working (typically 3 days in office, 2 days from home).
Environment: A PE-backed, high-performing firm with significant long-term growth prospects.
Core Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Location: Central London.

Application Tip: The “Carry” and “Co-invest” Context

Peer Note: Since this firm specializes in Private Equity and VC, their clients—and their own senior hires—often deal with complex incentive structures like Carried Interest or Co-investment schemes. In your application, highlighting any experience you have with “carried interest” administration or phantom equity schemes within a professional services context will demonstrate that you speak the language of their most senior stakeholders.

To apply for Company Website www.vwa.com.