Director of Benefits
1 day ago
Wrexham
Job Title: Associate Director – Benefits (EMEA) Location: Wrexham (Hybrid Preferred) | Open to London (Hybrid) Job Type: 6 month Contract Contract-to-Hire (CTH) Bill Rate: £50/hr Interview Rounds: 2 Role Overview The Associate Director – Benefits will lead the design, governance, and delivery of benefits programs across multiple EMEA markets. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on program management and requires strong partnership with HR, Finance, Legal, and global benefits teams. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership & Governance • Partner with the HR Director to develop and execute the EMEA benefits strategy aligned with global goals., • Conduct market and competitor analysis to ensure benefits remain competitive in the financial services sector., • Advise on benefits design, vendor strategy, and governance frameworks., • Support strategic initiatives during M&A, organizational changes, and policy harmonization. 2. Program Design & Delivery • Lead the design, renewal, and management of core benefit programs (medical, risk, retirement, wellbeing, lifestyle)., • Use data-driven insights and financial modeling to assess competitiveness and cost-effectiveness., • Partner with Finance, Legal, and Compliance to ensure regulatory and audit readiness., • Manage relationships with brokers, insurers, and consultants. 3. Operational Excellence & Transformation • Document and enhance regional operational processes., • Collaborate with shared services teams in the Philippines to transition administrative activities., • Establish KPIs to ensure quality, compliance, and service delivery accuracy., • Identify opportunities to automate, standardize, and improve processes. 4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement • Work closely with HRBPs, regional HR teams, and global centers of excellence., • Partner with internal communications for clear and engaging benefit program communication., • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CIPD/CEBS certification preferred., • 7+ years’ progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, including 4+ years managing multi-country programs within financial services or banking., • Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution., • Experience with shared services or offshoring transitions., • Strong analytical, financial, and Excel skills; experience with HR systems., • Deep understanding of EMEA benefits regulations and market norms., • Strategic Agility: Ability to balance long-term vision with operational realities., • Governance Mindset: Ensures compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation., • Operational Excellence: Executes with accuracy and efficiency., • Relationship Building: Builds trust across regions and functions., • Analytical Rigor: Uses data and insights to influence decisions.