Principal Rewards Advisor

Job Description

Brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things

Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.

We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future.

Your Opportunity

Are you a strategic thinker with deep expertise in compensation and benefits? We’re looking for a Principal Reward Advisor to be based in our Adelaide office. This is a high-impact role that partners closely with senior leadership, HR teams, and global stakeholders to deliver innovative, compliant, and inclusive reward solutions.This role requires strong collaboration across HR units and global teams, providing coaching and support to People Advisors and ensuring consistent, transparent, and impactful reward practices.

You’ll play a key role in data analysis and governance—leveraging market surveys, internal metrics, and system tools to inform decisions, support budgeting, and drive equity. This includes conducting gender pay and inclusion audits, maintaining data integrity, and staying ahead of regulatory changes. In addition to these strategic responsibilities, you’ll oversee the operational delivery of compensation and benefits programs, including annual salary reviews, benchmarking, and regional benefits management. You’ll support the rollout of global initiatives and ensure compliance with local regulations, while also building capability across the People function through training and tools.

• Lead the implementation of compensation strategies aligned with global frameworks and local market practices.
• Act as the subject matter expert for remuneration and benefits across APNA, advising senior leadership and HR teams on trends, compliance, and strategic direction.
• Use job evaluation frameworks and remuneration architecture to support talent attraction, retention, and progression.
• Lead change management efforts for new or revised reward programs, including stakeholder engagement, training, and communication.
• Collaborate with Unit HR Leads and the Group Reward team to ensure alignment and consistency in practices.
• Lead communication strategies to educate managers and employees on reward programs and value propositions.

About You

• Extensive experience in reward strategy, compensation, and benefits across complex, multi-country environments
• Strong analytical capability, with confidence in interpreting market data, benchmarking, and using reward systems and tools.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders and collaborate across global and regional teams.
• Knowledge of regulatory environments and compliance requirements across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
• A passion for equity and inclusion, with experience in conducting pay equity reviews and designing inclusive benefits.

Culture & Benefits

Mott MacDonald celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome diverse applicants, including First Nations People, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of all genders, neurodiversity, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and those with intersectional identities.

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• Agile working environment, supporting our people to work flexibly
• Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
• Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more
• Annual Health Checks and ongoing professional development

You’ve got this!

We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace, and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, please apply! #LI-RZ1