About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced EU & Japan Regional Rewards Manager to drive and optimize total rewards strategies across Europe and Japan. This role will be instrumental in designing and implementing competitive compensation and benefits programs, ensuring alignment with business goals, and enhancing employee engagement and retention.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in total rewards strategy, preferably with experience in consulting firms or large corporate rewards teams. This role requires expertise in salary benchmarking, incentive program design, and benefits optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Total Rewards Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive total rewards strategies for Europe and Japan, ensuring alignment with regional and global business objectives.
• Compensation Benchmarking: Conduct market salary benchmarking across Europe and Japan to ensure competitive compensation structures.
• Benefits Program Design: Create and manage employee benefits programs, including healthcare, retirement plans, and other incentives.
• Incentive Programs: Design and implement short-term and long-term incentive programs, bonus schemes, and other relevant financial incentives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all rewards programs comply with regional labour laws and industry standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with HR, finance, and leadership teams to provide data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Consulting & Advisory: Serve as a subject matter expert on compensation and benefits strategies, guiding leadership on best practices.
• Change Management: Drive and implement changes in reward programs while effectively communicating and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Data Analytics & Insights: Utilize analytics to assess the effectiveness of compensation and benefits programs and make continuous improvements.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in total rewards, compensation & benefits, or a related field.
• Prior experience in consulting firms (e.g., Big 4, HR advisory firms) or large corporate total rewards teams preferred.
• Strong knowledge of compensation structures, job grading, salary benchmarking, and incentive design across Europe and Japan.
• Deep understanding of EU and Japanese labour laws and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to work in a regional/multi-country role with cross-cultural awareness.
• Strong data analysis skills and proficiency in HR analytics tools.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English is required; additional European or Japanese language skills are a plus.