Interim Senior Compensation Manager - Europe (14 months Fixed Term Contract)
Role Purpose
This role acts as the lead compensation partner for Europe, supporting both corporate and hotel Team Members across more than 30 countries. Reporting to the Director of Compensation & Benefits Europe, the position plays a key role in delivering compensation strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and partnering with senior HR and business stakeholders across the region and globally.
Operating within a highly matrixed global organisation, the successful candidate will balance strategic advisory responsibilities with hands-on operational delivery, personally executing core compensation activities alongside providing leadership and guidance. A major focus will be supporting Europe’s readiness for the EU Pay Transparency Directive alongside delivering core compensation activities such as annual reward cycles, pay analysis, benchmarking, and stakeholder support.
This is a fast-paced, varied role requiring strong judgement, credibility with senior stakeholders, and the ability to work autonomously in an environment where priorities and structures can evolve. The individual must be comfortable navigating complexity, connecting regional needs with global frameworks, and taking ownership for both the design and the practical delivery of compensation solutions.
Employment Details
• Contract: 14-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)
• Location: Maple Court, Watford (hybrid working)
• Travel: Occasional European travel may be required
Key Accountabilities
Regional Compensation Leadership
• Act as the lead compensation specialist for Europe, partnering closely with HR leadership, business stakeholders, and global reward teams.
• Provide strategic advice on compensation matters across diverse European markets covering both corporate and hotel populations.
• Support alignment between regional priorities, global reward philosophy, and local regulatory requirements.
Annual Compensation Cycles
• Lead the design, delivery, and governance of annual compensation processes including merit reviews, bonus planning, and long-term incentives across Europe.
• Develop guidance, communications, and supporting materials for HR and business leaders.
• Ensure consistency, data integrity, and alignment with global reward frameworks.
EU Pay Transparency Directive
• Support the organisation’s preparation for the EU Pay Transparency Directive across Europe.
• Contribute to analysis, implementation planning, stakeholder engagement, and communication.
• Partner with global and regional stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and compliant approach.
Regulatory & Reporting Requirements
• Lead UK & Ireland Gender Pay Gap reporting and broader pay transparency related activities.
• Monitor regulatory developments impacting compensation across Europe and provide guidance to stakeholders.
Compensation Analysis & Advisory
• Conduct complex pay analyses including market benchmarking, pay positioning, and expatriate or cross-border reward considerations.
• Provide recommendations to support business decision-making and talent strategies.
Market Intelligence & Surveys
• Oversee participation in salary surveys and external benchmarking activity.
• Translate market data into actionable insights for the business.
Project & Stakeholder Management
• Partner with regional HR teams, global reward colleagues, Finance, Legal, and Talent Acquisition on compensation initiatives.
• Influence senior stakeholders without direct authority within a matrix environment.
• Support evolving reward projects aligned to business and regulatory priorities.
What are we looking for?
Person Specification
Experience & Expertise
• Significant compensation experience within a large, multinational organisation.
• Strong understanding of European reward practices across multiple countries.
• Experience supporting both corporate and operational populations (hospitality, retail, or similarly complex environments advantageous).
• Exposure to pay transparency, regulatory reward projects, or similar initiatives highly desirable.
Leadership & Stakeholder Capability
• Credibility and confidence engaging with senior HR leaders, executives, and global stakeholders.
• Strong influencing skills within a matrixed environment.
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor on complex compensation matters.
Working Style & Personal Impact
• Highly self-sufficient with the ability to hit the ground running.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and navigating evolving organisational priorities.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to connect compensation strategy to business outcomes.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Analytical & Technical Skills
• Advanced Excel and analytical capability; able to interpret complex data and translate into clear insights.
• Excellent attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including development of executive-level materials.
What will it be like to work for Hilton?
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!
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