EMEA Benefits Specialist
Role Overview:
My client is seeking an experienced an EMEA Benefits Specialist to support the design, implementation, and ongoing management of employee benefits programs across regions outside the United States. This role will serve as a key point of contact for benefits-related matters, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and employee satisfaction across multiple countries in EMEA and APAC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the administration and governance of regional benefits programs, including pensions, health and risk insurance, occupational health, leave policies, and voluntary offerings.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager to manage external vendors and brokers, ensuring service quality and adherence to policy standards.
- Develop and maintain clear, engaging benefits communication materials for employees, including onboarding guides and renewal documentation.
- Support contract negotiations, vendor evaluations, and market benchmarking in partnership with external consultants.
- Coordinate with multiple providers across countries to ensure alignment with strategic benefits objectives.
- Provide day-to-day support for employee queries, onboarding/offboarding processes, and guidance on eligibility and plan details.
- Ensure benefits policies are compliant with local legislation and regularly updated.
- Maintain accurate benefits records and coordinate with finance on payments and deductions.
- Act as a subject matter expert in cross-functional projects, supporting the development of systems and processes that enhance global benefits delivery.
- Lead and support absence management processes, including medical and parental leave, ensuring compliance with local laws and internal policies.
- Monitor market trends and best practices to inform benefits strategy and enhance employee value proposition.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, simplifying complex topics and influencing decision-making.
- Use data and analytics to support strategic planning and evaluate the effectiveness of benefits programs.
- Contribute to the development and execution of a competitive, equitable global benefits strategy.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and vendor performance through regular audits and invoice reconciliation.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Proven experience managing international benefits across EMEA and APAC regions.
- Background in financial or professional services preferred.
- Strong understanding of UK benefits and experience in at least one additional country.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
- Process improvement mindset with a strong grasp of technology and automation.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- High level of discretion and confidentiality.
- In-depth knowledge of pension and healthcare trust schemes in the UK/Europe; experience with DB schemes is a plus.
- Strong vendor management and operational planning skills.
- Proficient in data analysis and Excel; able to interpret complex data sets and present insights clearly.
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms; experience with cloud-based systems is advantageous.
The SR Group (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
