Rewards Manager

About the Role
Design, manage and continuously improve compensation, benefits, payroll governance and job evaluation programs that support business objectives while ensuring market competitiveness and internal equity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic

• Develop and execute compensation, benefits, and reward programs that align with the organization's business objectives, talent strategy, and total rewards philosophy.
• Analyse market trends, salary benchmarks, and internal workforce metrics to ensure reward programs remain competitive, equitable, and cost-effective.

Financial

• Manage compensation and benefits budgets, ensuring reward programs remain cost-effective, competitive, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Conduct financial analysis for salary reviews, incentive programs, benefits changes, and other reward initiatives to support informed decision-making.

Stakeholder / Customer

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, HR business partners, and finance teams, to understand business needs and align compensation and benefits programs accordingly.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to management, providing guidance and support on compensation and benefits-related inquiries.

Operational

1. Compensation Management:

   • Ensure accuracy and timely processing of salary as per contractual dates.
   • Review payroll controls, audit processes and compliance requirements.
   • Validate payroll reports before final approval.

2. Benefits Administration:

   • Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and other perks.
   • Evaluate and recommend changes to benefits offerings based on cost analysis, employee feedback, and market trends.
   • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to benefits administration.

3. Offers & Compensation Recommendations:

   • Prepare employment offers, contracts, promotion proposals, and compensation packages based on internal equity, market competitiveness, budget considerations, and business requirements.

4. Compliance and Regulations:

   • Ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law, Pension Law, and any other government authority regulations and organizational policies in relations to payroll processing and payment of salaries, compensation and benefits.
   • Stay informed about local laws, regulations and compliance requirements.
   • Prepare and submit relevant reports and payments to regulatory agencies as required.

5. Policy Development and Compliance:

   • Develop, implement, and communicate compensation and benefits policies, procedures, and guidelines.
   • Stay current on relevant legislation and regulations affecting compensation and benefits practices.
   • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws governing compensation, benefits, and taxation.

6. Employee Data Management:

   • Oversee the management of the Employee Master data relating to employee job, grade, salary and benefits.
   • Oversee the management of new joiners, role changes and leavers are updated in the payroll system HRIS.
   • Ensure new joiners, role changes and leavers are updated on the Group T@lent system.

7. Performance Management:

   • Implement revised salaries on the HRIS.
   • Prepare and issue relevant letters.

8. Reporting and Analysis:

   • Developing ad hoc reporting and analysis as needed.

Capability/People

• Lead and supervise the Rewards Officer.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability and service excellence.

Dimensions

• Manage the compensation and benefits programs for all employees.
• Office environment. Occasional travel may be required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education / Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 5-8 years of experience in compensation and benefits management.
• Strong knowledge of compensation management, including salary benchmarking, incentive schemes, and annual salary review processes.
• Good understanding of benefits administration, payroll governance, UAE Labour Law, GPSSA requirements, and reward-related compliance obligations.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, with the ability to interpret workforce data, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Public transportation sector experience preferred.
• Regional and UAE experience is preferred.

Skills / Training:

• Fluent in English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced MS Office proficiency.