"Head of Reward, Systems and Data"

Cranfield University - People & Culture

Location:	Bedfordshire, Cranfield
Salary:	£61,000 to £70,548 per annum, with potential progression up to £86,275 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On:	20th February 2026
Closes:	8th March 2026
Job Ref:	5240

Fixed Term Contract for 18 months

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £61,000 to £70,548 per annum, with potential progression up to £86,275 per annum

Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

We are inviting applications from innovative and experienced HR specialists to join our People & Culture senior leadership team on a fixed-term basis. This is a pivotal role in shaping the future of our reward strategy, optimising HR systems and processes, and driving data-led decision-making across the University.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of People and Culture Operations, you will lead on reviewing and revising our existing pay framework, provide expert support to the Remuneration Committee, and champion the effective use of technology and analytics within the People & Culture function. You will also play a key role in delivering tangible continuous improvement initiatives, including the enhancement of existing systems and processes and upskilling the team in the use of AI and management information to enhance efficiency and insight.

About You

You will have significant experience in developing reward strategy, pay framework design, HR systems and MI reporting. Already operating at management level, you will have proven experience of working effectively with colleagues at all levels, quickly identifying priorities, and establishing trusted relationships in order to deliver required changes.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5240

Closing date for receipt of applications: 8 March 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.