Director / Senior Director, Global Benefits
Location: Gaithersburg, MD (Hybrid)
Opportunity Overview
We are partnering with an organization seeking a Director or Senior Director of Global Benefits to lead the strategy, governance, and administration of a comprehensive U.S. and international benefits portfolio. This role is ideal for a senior benefits leader with strong global experience, deep technical expertise, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
This position oversees global benefits programs, supports global mobility initiatives, and manages a team responsible for benefits administration, compliance, vendor management, systems, and employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
Benefits Strategy & Administration
- Lead benefits governance and present recommendations and proposals to senior leadership.
- Drive harmonization and integration of benefits programs across regions, establishing standards and operating procedures.
- Benchmark benefits programs to ensure competitiveness, cost effectiveness, quality, and equity.
- Analyze, design, and implement new benefits plans and plan enhancements.
- Partner with HR, People Ops, Legal, Finance, and Global Mobility teams to ensure alignment and compliance.
Global & International Benefits
- Lead and evolve global governance structures for international benefits programs.
- Research statutory requirements and market practices to recommend country-specific benefits offerings.
- Establish and manage country-specific plans and rates in partnership with local brokers and carriers.
- Monitor utilization and effectiveness of benefits offerings and recommend improvements.
- Maintain centralized documentation of global benefits programs.
- Support international transfers, including benefits enrollment, vendor coordination, and employee education.
Vendor & Financial Management
- Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, and vendors; lead regular performance and service reviews.
- Review and negotiate contracts, pricing, SLAs, and service agreements.
- Oversee benefits budgeting, forecasting, and cost-management strategies while maintaining coverage quality.
- Ensure benefits programs align with the broader total rewards strategy.
Wellbeing & Engagement
- Partner with internal stakeholders to develop and support a global wellbeing strategy.
- Collaborate with wellness and healthcare providers to design programs and incentives.
- Analyze employee feedback and utilization data to improve benefits and wellbeing offerings.
- Support benefits communications, onboarding materials, and education for U.S. and international employees.
Systems & Data Management (Workday)
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for Workday Benefits, including plan configuration, eligibility rules, and system integrations.
- Implement benefit plan updates, premium changes, and process improvements within Workday.
- Create and maintain accurate summary plan descriptions and policies.
- Run eligibility extracts, audits, and reports; troubleshoot issues with IT, Payroll, and HRIS teams.
- Ensure data integrity through regular audits and reconciliation activities.
- Leverage Workday and related tools for benefits analytics, forecasting, budgeting, and billing reconciliation.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Stay current on regulatory and compliance requirements impacting global benefits programs.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and implement necessary program updates.
- Partner with legal counsel and external advisors to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Complete all required compliance reporting and employee notifications.
Leadership & Team Management
- Hire, train, and manage a team of benefits professionals.
- Provide coaching and oversight to ensure accurate, timely benefits administration.
- Support team members with complex issues, escalations, and special projects.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in benefits administration and strategy, including global benefits programs.
- Required: Hands-on experience administering benefits in Workday HRIS.
- Strong knowledge of benefits compliance, governance, vendor management, and financial oversight.
- Proven ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
