Benefits Manager

Job Description

Key Responsibilities: 6 months

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Partner with the HR Director to develop and execute the EMEA benefits strategy that aligns with global business objectives and financial discipline.

• Conduct market and competitor analyses to ensure benefit programs remain best-in-class and support talent attraction and retention within the financial services sector.

• Provide expert guidance on benefits design, vendor strategy, and governance frameworks, ensuring programs adhere to both local market regulations and corporate risk standards.

• Serve as an advisor for EMEA benefits strategy during M&A, organizational changes, or policy harmonization efforts.

Program Design & Delivery

• Oversee the design, renewal, and management of core benefit programs (medical, risk, retirement, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits) across multiple EMEA markets.

• Assess program competitiveness, employee value, and cost-effectiveness using data-driven insights and financial modeling.

• Partner with finance, legal, and compliance to ensure benefit programs meet both regulatory obligations and internal audit requirements.

• Lead relationships with external brokers, insurers, and consultants, ensuring performance accountability and cost optimization.

Operational Excellence & Transformation

• Take a hands-on leadership role in the initial phase to document and enhance regional operational processes.

• Partner with the Philippines shared services team to transition day-to-day administrative and transactional activities, ensuring seamless handover, strong governance, and clear accountability.

• Establish key performance indicators and reporting structures to monitor service delivery quality, turnaround times, and compliance post-transition.

• Drive standardization and automation opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with HR Business Partners, regional HR leads, and centers of excellence to align benefits with workforce needs and business strategy.

• Work with internal communications teams to deliver clear, consistent, and engaging employee communications around benefit offerings and changes.

• Represent the EMEA region in global benefits settings and contribute to global strategy, benchmarking, and policy alignment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (CIPD, CEBS, or equivalent) preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, with at least 4 years managing multi-country programs within the financial services or banking industry.

• Demonstrated experience balancing hands-on program management with strategic oversight and governance.

• Proven success managing or supporting shared services or offshoring transitions in a complex, regulated organization.

• Strong analytical and financial acumen; adept in Excel, benefits modeling, and HR systems.

• In-depth understanding of EMEA benefits practices, statutory frameworks, and market norms.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with an ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Agility: Sees the big picture while managing immediate priorities.

• Governance Mindset: Champions compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation.

• Operational Excellence: Delivers accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality execution.

• Relationship Building: Builds trust across regions, functions, and levels.

• Analytical Rigor: Uses data and market insights to drive recommendations.