The Manchester Metropolitan University
Reward and Pensions Advisor (Projects)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Join us in shaping the future of reward and pensions
Manchester Met is a people-focused, values-led university committed to Transforming lives through the power of education and research. As part of our People & Organisational Development Directorate, we are investing in our Reward & Pensions function and are seeking two talented Reward & Pensions Advisors (Projects) to help deliver an ambitious programme of reward, pay, and pensions transformation.
We Are Recruiting
- 1 Permanent Reward & Pensions Advisor (Projects)
- 1 Fixed-Term Reward & Pensions Advisor (Projects) (12-month contract)
These are exciting opportunities for experienced HR, reward, or pensions professionals who enjoy combining project delivery, data analysis, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement to make a real organisational impact.
About The Role
Working within the Reward & Pensions team, you will play a key role in delivering projects that support the University's strategic priorities.
You will lead and contribute to a diverse portfolio of initiatives including:
- Pay and promotions process redesign
- Reward and benefits enhancements arising from employee feedback
- Pay and grading reviews
- The development of reward strategies that support attraction, retention, and colleague experience
You will also help identify opportunities to simplify and automate processes through digital solutions, improving efficiency, strengthening governance, and enhancing service delivery for the University. Working closely with HR colleagues, senior leaders, managers, Finance teams, and external providers, you will help deliver innovative solutions that improve our reward offering and the services we provide to colleagues across the University.
Key Responsibilities Include
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Leading reward and pensions projects from scoping through to implementation.
- Developing business cases, recommendations, and project plans.
- Using workforce data, benchmarking information, and market intelligence to inform reward decisions.
- Reviewing and improving processes to increase efficiency, reduce manual activity, and enhance service quality.
- Supporting the development and implementation of reward, benefits, and pensions policies and initiatives.
- Producing insightful reports and presentations for senior stakeholders and governance groups.
- Building strong relationships across the University and influencing positive change.
- Contributing to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong project management skills with a passion for reward, pensions, and service improvement.
You Will Have
- Experience delivering projects and managing competing priorities.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience interpreting and presenting complex data and information.
- Knowledge of reward, pay, pensions, benefits, or HR-related practices.
- Strong analytical skills, including confidence using Excel, HR systems, and data reporting tools to generate meaningful insights.
- The ability to influence and build relationships across a range of stakeholders.
- A customer-focused mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
You will ideally be CIPD qualified (or working towards qualification) or be able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
Experience of reward, pensions, job evaluation, pay benchmarking, HR systems, and employment legislation would be advantageous.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
How To Apply
Please submit a CV and a Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the attached Job Description.
Use your cover letter to provide specific examples of your skills and experience relevant to the role – Please note, applications without a cover letter may not be considered at shortlisting stage.
Interview Dates
2nd October 2026
We would encourage candidates to make note of these dates in the event that you are successfully shortlisted.
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.
Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
Documents
001154.6 Reward & Pensions Adviser (Projects).pdf (130.43 KB)
Apply Now
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills