Director of HR Operations and Reward

Salary: £86,000 - £101,900. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Job Reference: 488014

Location: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London or Manchester

Closing date: 9 November 2026.

Contract Type: Full Time, Fixed Term Length of employment: 12-month role with a possibility of an extension to 18-months

Job description

The CMA plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and household prosperity through effective competition and consumer protection. To increase that impact, we are transforming how the CMA works. Our People Strategy is integral to this transformation: building the leadership, skills, workforce and environment we need to focus our capabilities where they have greatest impact and enable colleagues to thrive and do their best work.

As Director of HR Operations and Reward, you will play a key role in delivering that ambition. You will lead the evolution of our core people services, bringing together HR operations, pay and reward, workforce insight, systems and data to create a more efficient, digitally enabled and insight-led service.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead a multidisciplinary team covering HR operations, pay and reward, systems and people analytics. You will also oversee the CMA’s relationships with recognised trade unions and lead the HR contribution to implementation of the new ERP, ensuring that systems, processes and insight support effective workforce management and organisational decision-making.

This is an exciting leadership role that provides the opportunity to combine inspiring leadership and expert thinking with senior-level influence. You will work with the Executive Committee, the CMA Remuneration Committee, senior leaders and fellow Corporate Services Directors, translating strategy into practical improvements across the organisation.

This is a significant opportunity for an experienced senior HR professional to shape transformation, lead a substantial portfolio of people services and make a lasting impact across the CMA. During the appointment, you will be expected to deliver tangible improvements in priority areas, strengthen the foundations for longer-term transformation and build the capability of the teams you lead.

The benefits

We offer generous annual leave, flexible and hybrid working, and a competitive contributory pension. You will join a diverse and stimulating organisation, with the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to our people, our organisation and the public good.

For full responsibilities and selection criteria, please review the attached role profile.