Total Rewards Leader, Fintech
Optasia
| Company | Optasia |
| Category | HR & Recruiting |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Lead |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 15 May 2026 |
| Last verified | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (workable) |
Description
At Optasia we use the latest technologies and tools to build impactful customer experiences, grow our network and provide comprehensive financial access for millions of customers in countries across continental Africa, Asia and beyond. We are seeking a dynamic Senior Compensation & Benefits Specialist, preferably at Director level, who has a deep understanding of global reward strategies across Africa, Middle East and Asia, coupled with experience in startup/scaleup culture. The ideal person will possess strong analytical skills, a strategic mindset, with proven leadership experience in daily delivery of compensation, benefits, immigration and mobility activities. Familiarity with regional labor laws related to remuneration and a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture are essential. This is a senior team role in a growing organization - an opportunity to work in a company where a go-getter spirit and customer orientation are valued as highly as technical excellence. Detailed overview Location: Johannesburg, Dubai, Athens Candidate profile A commercially-minded Total Reward leader with proven experience diagnosing, designing and delivering cost effective reward frameworks in high-growth, international, technology-led or fintech organizations, ideally including African and Asia markets. Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels, using data, benchmarking and market insight to shape competitive, scalable, and equitable compensation and benefits offerings across multiple countries. Passionate about building transparent, employee-centric reward philosophies, partnering effectively with senior leaders, and navigating complex regulatory environments with sound judgement and integrity. Key Responsibilities Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive & standardized compensation structure across all functions, regions, and levels within the organization, including base pay, variable pay programs, sales incentives, long and short-term incentive plans, stock options, and executive compensation. Own and administer immigration and relocation/mobility activities which will be a core focus of the role. Coordinating and managing relocations and commuters’ programs, EEA arrangements, work permits and related reward elements (correct ICP and equity tax allocation and recording across jurisdictions, equal pay calculations, FX equalization allowances and payments coordination with relevant payroll teams) and local authority reporting. Liaise with senior leadership, and the Legal team on all legal issues relating to compensation & benefits, maintaining a working knowledge of local laws, customs, and practices influencing compensation and benefits. Provide relevant data and recommendations to guide decision-making related to compensation, org structure, attrition, promotions, and other people-related activities. Analyze trends in the business, economy, and employment marketplace to identify issues and opportunities to enhance global workforce planning strategies. Facilitate the process of job evaluation and salary surveys, advise on salary budgets, and prepare policies and procedures to ensure equitable and competitive employee compensation. Monitor, evaluate and harmonize the company's benefits programs, ensuring they are globally aligned, locally relevant, cost-effective, flexible, consistently applied, and do not expose the company to undue ri