Head of Policy & Reward

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably.

We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager - who acquired Arriva in 2024.

We are looking for a Head of Policy & Reward to join our Employee Experience Team on a full-time, permanent basis. We offer hybrid working. The role will be based from either our London, Sunderland, Thurmaston or Derby office a minimum of 3 days per week, the rest focusing on where you can best deliver for your customers, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance.

The Head of Policy & Reward is accountable for the design, delivery and evaluation of our people-related policies, encompassing Arriva UK policy, compensation, benefits, and employee recognition, and ensuring our policies and approaches are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business goals while fostering a culture where employees feel valued, motivated and engaged.

Direct responsibilities:

•   Design and lead the organization’s policy agenda and long-term strategy.

•   Managing and maintaining people-related policies that are aligned to our employee experience vision, and current and emerging legislative, regulatory, and political developments relevant to the organisation.

Knowledge, skills & experience:

Essential Experience

•   Business-partnering role in a large, heavily regulated and complex environment

•    Designing people-related policies and approaches in line with strategic organisational goals.

•   Leading the design and delivery of Reward & Recognition initiatives

•   Planning, leading and managing people-related changes.

•   Leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance reward & recognition

•   Managing strategic partnerships that enhance reward & recognition

•   Third-party contract management

•   Pay benchmarking and gender pay reporting

Desirable Experience

•   Experience supporting organisational growth plans by aligning reward and recognition strategies with tender requirements and overall company strategy

Other Skills and Behaviours

•   Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.

•   Horizon scanning

•   Strategic thinking

•   Project Planning and delivery

•   Ability to track ROI and reward and recognition-related metrics associated

•   Passionate about creating fair and motivating reward systems

•   Inclusive and ethical approach to pay equity and recognition

•   Inclusive and culturally aware

Technical Knowledge & Qualifications

•   Strong cognitive agility

•   Excellent understanding of the key aspects of reward and recognition, factors that drive these, and measures for success

•   Excellent knowledge of current and emerging trends and best practices in reward and recognition

•   Working knowledge of existing and emerging UK employment law

•   CIPD or equivalent (Essential)

This job description sets out the main duties and responsibilities of the job-holder. It does not constitute an exhaustive or comprehensive description of duties and the job holder will be required to carry out any additional tasks as and when requested to do so by their manager. Responsibilities and duties may also change in light of future business needs and personal development.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 18th February 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.