HR Project Consultant - Compensation & Benefits

HR Project Consultant - Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Competitive day rate PAYE and based on experience

Location: Manchester, Hybrid 3 days each week in office, 2 from home

Keywords: Compensation and Benefits, Project Management, Vendor Management, HR Systems, Stakeholder Engagement, Process Automation, Compliance, Hybrid Working, Diversity and Inclusion

Vanguard is seeking a Human Resources Project Consultant with deep expertise in compensation and benefits to play a pivotal role in establishing robust benefits programmes and supporting technology for their new European office. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a globally respected investment company renowned for its commitment to client value, diversity, and inclusion. As part of Vanguard's Europe HR team, you will be instrumental in designing and implementing benefits infrastructure, managing vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and contributing to broader regional HR projects. The position offers the chance to work collaboratively across multiple functions, influence key decisions at senior levels, and support the growth of a new office within a supportive hybrid working environment. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact through your project management skills and compensation expertise, this role provides the platform to do so while being part of an organisation that truly values its people.

What you'll do:

• Develop comprehensive project plans that clearly define roles, responsibilities, timelines, and ensure continuous stakeholder engagement throughout each phase of the project
• Design and implement benefits infrastructure tailored to local requirements while aligning with Vanguard's global standards and best practices.
• Translate complex data analyses into clear presentations and communication materials for senior leaders across multiple regions, both virtually and in person.
• Lead process automation initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce manual activities through effective use of HR systems, tools, and templates.
• Support ongoing collaboration between the HR team and Technology partners by providing detailed requirements for Workday system developments and other HR technology implementations.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of vendor management including selection, onboarding, due diligence, risk assessments, contract negotiation, execution, and ongoing relationship management.
• Drive continuous improvement in third-party engagements by ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Contribute actively to broader regional HR projects by taking ownership from requirements gathering through delivery and successful implementation.
• Ensure all compensation initiatives are compliant with local regulations while supporting Vanguard's wider reward strategy across Europe.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships across multiple teams with competing demands to ensure project success.

What you bring:

• Extensive experience in compensation and benefits within multinational or European contexts is essential for understanding diverse regulatory environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating impactful presentations tailored to senior audiences across different regions.
• Highly developed Microsoft Excel skills including v/x-lookup, index matching, countifs/sumifs functions for robust data analysis.
• Demonstrated track record of leading complex HR projects within global matrix organisations where collaboration is key.
• Experience supporting office launches or expansions is highly desirable as it brings valuable insight into setting up new operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively while balancing competing priorities across teams.
• Strong communication skills enabling you to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Hands-on experience with HR systems such as Benifex, Darwin, Workday, MarketPay or Payfactors is advantageous for driving technology-enabled solutions.
• A flexible approach that allows you to navigate ambiguity confidently while adapting quickly amidst change.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact on Vanguard's growing European presence while advancing your career within an inclusive global leader-this is your moment! Apply today by clicking on the link provided-take the next step towards joining Vanguard's exceptional team. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience. If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require adjustments to the recruitment process, our Adjustment Concierge Service is here to support you. Please reach out to us at adjustments@robertwalters.com to discuss further.