Head, Global Total Rewards

Head, Global Total Rewards

World Wide Fund (WWF)

August 10, 2026September 24, 2026ZeistNetherlands
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is an independent conservation organization that has been working for over 60 years to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. With an active presence in more than 100 countries, WWF aims to create a better future for both people and nature by addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. The organization engages with various stakeholders, including individuals, communities, businesses, and governments, to advocate for bolder action on climate change and nature conservation. WWF's mission is to protect and restore species and their habitats while transforming markets and policies towards sustainability. The organization is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities in their efforts to create effective solutions for environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of local ownership in conservation efforts.

Job Overview:
The Head, Global Total Rewards is a pivotal role within WWF International, responsible for leading the design, governance, and delivery of the Total Rewards framework, which encompasses compensation, benefits, well-being, and recognition programs. This position ensures that the Total Rewards proposition is coherent and motivating for staff across the organization. The Head will lead a team of two direct reports and collaborate closely with Talent Development and other People & Culture colleagues to create an integrated employee experience that supports career growth. The role requires a strategic mindset to monitor market trends and internal workforce needs, translating Total Rewards strategies into practical frameworks that balance global consistency with local market realities. The Head will also oversee the annual salary budgeting and review process, ensuring governance and quality of recommendations, while maintaining a focus on equity and compliance in job evaluation and grading.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Team Leadership and Capability: Lead, coach, and develop the Total Rewards team, setting clear priorities and quality standards. Allocate work to balance operational delivery with strategic projects. Review key outputs such as salary review recommendations and benefits program changes before they reach senior stakeholders. Build a consistent Total Rewards practice across the organization.
  • Total Rewards Strategy: Monitor external market trends and internal workforce needs, recommending strategy refinements. Translate Total Rewards strategy into practical frameworks that align with local market realities. Recommend Total Rewards principles and policies for review and endorsement.
  • Salary Review, Benchmarking, and Market Positioning: Own the annual salary budgeting and review process, ensuring governance and quality. Lead external benchmarking and market survey participation, presenting annual salary review recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Job Evaluation, Grading, and Job Architecture Governance: Own the job evaluation methodology and system, ensuring equity and compliance. Design and maintain a functional job architecture that translates job evaluation outcomes into consistent career pathways.
  • Benefits Strategy, Governance, and Vendor Management: Set strategic direction for global benefits programs, providing guidance to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness. Lead negotiations with benefits vendors to ensure value for money.
  • Advisory, Projects, and Governance: Act as the senior subject matter expert on Total Rewards, advising on complex cases and leading projects to enhance Total Rewards capability across the WWF Network.

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field is required, with a Master's degree being an advantage. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience leading global Total Rewards, Compensation & Benefits, or Reward functions within complex multinational organizations. Professional certification in HR or Rewards (e.g., GRP, CCP, or equivalent) is preferred. A good understanding of international mobility from a compensation and benefits perspective is necessary, along with experience working with job evaluation methodologies such as Mercer IPE, Korn Ferry Hay, or Willis Towers Watson. Candidates should also have the ability to leverage HR technology and analytics platforms to improve reward governance and employee experience.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, finance, or a related field. A Master's degree is considered an advantage, as it may provide deeper insights into the complexities of global Total Rewards management and strategic HR practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in leading global Total Rewards, Compensation & Benefits, or Reward functions within complex multinational organizations. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the intricacies of compensation structures, benefits management, and the strategic alignment of Total Rewards with organizational goals.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, as the role requires excellent communication skills to interact with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication in various international contexts and enhance collaboration with global teams.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Work permit restrictions may apply, and early applications are encouraged as the organization reviews applications throughout the advertising period. WWF is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity in achieving its mission to protect the Earth's natural environment.
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