Global Benefits Director

• Lead the development and execution of a global benefits strategy, with primary ownership of U.S. health and welfare programs
• Ensure benefits programs are aligned with cost targets, market positioning, and overall Total Rewards strategy
• Design and optimize benefits across the U.S., UK, and Ireland (medical, pension, and risk benefits)
• Own U.S. health and welfare programs, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and disability
• Drive plan design, vendor strategy, and cost management initiatives
• Lead renewals, RFPs, and vendor management to optimize performance and cost outcomes
• Ensure compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements (ACA, ERISA, etc.)
• Oversee pensions, medical (where applicable), and insured benefits in the UK and Ireland
• Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements (e.g., UK pensions, auto-enrolment, Irish frameworks)
• Partner with Finance to manage budgets, forecasts, and cost reduction initiatives
• Develop and validate cost models, savings opportunities, and ROI
• Establish governance, reporting, and KPIs to monitor performance and drive accountability
• Lead implementation of plan changes, vendor transitions, and new programs
• Ensure accurate and timely execution in partnership with Payroll and Technology
• Drive process improvements and identify opportunities to reduce manual effort
• Identify and manage financial, operational, and compliance risks across benefits programs
• Establish strong controls across systems, vendors, and processes to ensure data integrity and accuracy
• Partner with senior stakeholders (HR, Finance, and Business Leaders) to align strategy and decisions
• Lead communication strategies to improve employee understanding and engagement
• Navigate complex and sensitive decisions with clarity and influence
• Lead and develop a lean team supporting U.S., UK, and Ireland benefits
• Define a clear operating model, ensuring work is performed at the appropriate level across the team and shared services
• Partner with People Services to ensure effective employee support and issue resolution

Requirements

• 15 years of experience in benefits / total rewards, with deep U.S. health and welfare expertise
• Experience within a large professional services organization
• Working knowledge of UK and Ireland benefits (pensions, medical, regulatory requirements) with the willingness to deepen expertise
• Proven experience managing complex, global programs and vendor relationships
• Strong financial acumen (cost modeling, budgeting, forecasting)
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-change environment (private equity experience preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field required
• Master's degree preferred
• Certifications preferred: CEBS, SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP, other relevant benefits or compensation certifications