Manager Rewards and Policies

External Job Description

Manager – Rewards & Policies

Job Purpose

The Manager – Rewards & Policies is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the organization's compensation, benefits, and rewards frameworks to ensure market competitiveness, internal equity, and compliance with UAE and international regulations. The role leads compensation benchmarking, job evaluation, grading structures, reward programs, policy development, workforce budgeting, and analytics while supporting strategic business initiatives, organizational transformation, and mergers & acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead compensation benchmarking, market analysis, and job slotting to maintain competitive pay structures.
• Manage job evaluation, grading frameworks, and career architecture using recognized methodologies (e.g., Korn Ferry Hay, Mercer).
• Design and administer salary structures, merit increases, incentive plans, executive compensation, and benefits programs.
• Develop and maintain compensation and benefits policies, ensuring compliance with labor laws and governance standards.
• Support workforce planning through compensation budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Deliver compensation analytics, dashboards, and reporting using HR systems and advanced Excel.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to provide rewards advisory and resolve compensation-related matters.
• Lead compensation due diligence and harmonization activities during mergers, acquisitions, and organizational restructuring.
• Drive strategic reward initiatives that support talent attraction, retention, engagement, and organizational growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 12–15 years of experience in Compensation & Benefits or Total Rewards, preferably within large, complex organizations.
• Professional certification (CCP, GRP, or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Experience within defense, manufacturing, technology, or related industries is preferred.

Key Skills

• Expertise in compensation benchmarking, job evaluation, grading, and rewards design.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and HRMS proficiency (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of UAE and international labor laws relating to compensation and benefits.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, project management, and strategic planning capabilities.