Reward + benefits lead

London 📍 | hybrid 3 days a week | 65000 + 20% bonus


at wagamama, food is life 🥢 and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company 🍜🔥

were looking for a reward + benefits lead to join us on our journey 🌱 ready to dive in and stir things up?


what we need |

we are looking for a reward + benefit specialist to create a reward strategy that’s not just competitive, but also reflects our values and energises our teams across every part of wagamama. You’ll stay ahead of the curve with market insights, legal requirements and internal data to ensure our reward offering is fresh, fair and future-fit, remains competitive within the industry and relative to our competitors


we want someone to implement and evolve job grading frameworks and transparent pay bandings that support equity, career pathways and internal mobility and design and deliver performance-linked pay models, bonus schemes and incentive programmes that reward impact, drive motivation and reflect our kaizen culture


what you’ll do |

as our reward + benefits lead, you’ll be the creative spark behind how we celebrate, support and reward our people from those already part of our wagamama community and those we’ve yet to meet, ensuring that our reward practices are competitive, equitable, and compliant with all relevant laws + regulations


you’ll strategically partner the business to shape a bold, future-ready reward strategy that captures the heart and magic of wagamama, a place where careers flourish + individuality is embraced

you’ll blend data, storytelling and insight to shape pay, benefits and recognition programmes that spark joy, drive performance and make wagamama a place people are proud to belong. whether it’s designing standout benefits or championing fairness across the board, you’ll help us build a people experience that’s as vibrant and inclusive as our restaurants


what you’ll need |

* strong analytical and data interpretation skills
* comprehensive knowledge of compensation and benefits policies and employment laws
* effective communication and negotiation abilities
* capability to develop and implement long-term reward and benefits strategies that align with business goals
* high levels of discretion and attention to detail to manage confidential information and complex data
* genuinely interested in the performance of the business, rather than a single focus on their own area of expertise
* ability to put themselves in the shoes of our teams + use relatable language
* excellent verbal and written skills to explain complex information to teams, stakeholders and negotiate with vendors and providers
* attention to detail | meticulous management of compensation structures and data to ensure accuracy and pay equity
* problem solving | Skilled in identifying issues and developing effective solutions within the rewards and benefits function


who you’ll be working with |

* people business partners
* cpo + people and culture director
* ta + employer brand manager
* head of internal comms


what’s in it for you |

* £65000 salary + 20% bonus potential
* hybrid working
* come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
* £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
* private healthcare
* 3% pension contribution
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
* Supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents


nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belongs