Reward Manager MENA

Job Overview

The Reward Manager for the MENA region will be responsible for formulating, executing, and overseeing the reward strategy across multiple countries in MENA. The role ensures harmonization with the global reward approach while adapting to local market competitiveness. This position collaborates extensively with Business Group HR Directors, HR Business Partners, Finance teams, Global Rewards, and senior leaders to develop compensation and benefits programs that are competitive, equitable, and financially sustainable.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute the regional reward strategy across MENA markets, aligning with global and regional business goals.
• Advise HR and business leaders on compensation, benefits, and other reward-related decisions to support strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with Global Reward policies, governance frameworks, and local legal requirements throughout the MENA region.
• Maintain consistency and standardization in compensation practices while accommodating local market demands and business priorities.
• Lead the annual compensation planning process, including merit increase management.
• Develop and refine country-specific benefit programs to maintain market competitiveness.
• Oversee participation in external compensation surveys such as Mercer, WTW, and Korn Ferry, guaranteeing accuracy and reliability of market data.
• Analyze trends including labor market changes, inflation, and regulatory updates to propose informed reward strategies.
• Prepare financial analyses and business cases to support compensation and benefits recommendations aligned with budget and SG&A targets.
• Champion strategic reward initiatives like Reward Market Fit (RMF), pay transparency, living wage application, and digitalization of reward systems.
• Promote continuous improvement by streamlining reward policies, enhancing governance, and boosting operational efficiencies and employee experience.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related discipline is required.
• At least seven years of HR experience with a minimum of four years focused on rewards management.
• Proven experience handling reward programs across several countries.
• Deep knowledge of salary surveys and market benchmarking practices.
• Experience managing annual compensation cycles and designing pay structures.

Additional Information

This position reports to the Regional Reward Lead MEPA and is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.