Senior Manager, Benefits

Job Description The Senior Manager, Global Benefits is responsible for leading the design, execution, and continuous evolution of the organization’s global benefits strategy and programs. This role oversees a team of Benefits Program Managers and ensures high-quality delivery of benefits programs that attract and retain top talent, enhance employee wellbeing, and align with enterprise strategy and financial objectives. This leader balances strategic direction with operational excellence — setting vision, establishing priorities, and driving execution across global programs while fostering innovation, compliance rigor, financial stewardship, and an exceptional employee experience. The ideal candidate brings strong people leadership capability, deep benefits expertise, global regulatory knowledge, and the ability to translate strategy into scalable, high-impact programs. Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Direction Develop and evolve the global benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals, talent strategy, and financial parameters. Partner with senior HR, Finance, and business leaders to ensure benefits programs support workforce strategy and long-term business objectives. Assess market trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive positioning to inform strategy and program enhancements. Lead multi-year roadmap planning for global benefits, including program design evolution, vendor optimization, and technology enablement. Provide thought leadership on total rewards philosophy and future-forward benefits design. Team Leadership & Capability Building Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of 4–5 Benefits Program Managers. Set clear goals, establish accountability, and ensure effective execution across global initiatives. Foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and consistent standards across regions. Drive professional development and succession planning within the team. Program Execution & Operational Excellence Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of global benefits programs including health, risk, retirement, leave, wellbeing, and statutory offerings. Ensure programs are delivered through efficient, scalable operating models that create a consumer-grade employee experience. Guide the team in managing employee escalations and complex cases in partnership with People Operations. Partner cross-functionally with Payroll, HRIS, IT, Legal, and Finance to ensure seamless operationalization. Establish governance frameworks and performance standards for consistent execution globally. Vendor & Financial Management Oversee vendor strategy, broker relationships, contract negotiations, renewals, and performance management. Ensure vendor accountability through service-level monitoring and regular performance reviews. Lead financial planning, forecasting, and cost management for global benefits programs. Identify cost optimization opportunities while maintaining competitive positioning and employee value. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure adherence to global statutory requirements and regulatory frameworks (e.g., EEOC, ADA, HIPAA, GDPR and country-specific requirements). Oversee audits, reporting obligations, and governance committees (e.g., retirement committees). Proactively identify and mitigate compliance risks. Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement Drive a data-informed approach to program evaluation and optimization. Establish key performance indicators and metrics to measure program effectiveness and employee engagement. Leverage analytics to guide strategic decisions and demonstrate program impact to leadership. Lead global initiatives to continuously elevate benefits strategy, execution standards, and employee experience. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience. 10 years of progressive experience in Benefits or Total Rewards, including demonstrated leadership experi ... (truncated, view full listing at source)