Head of Benefits and Pension Operations - 9 Month Contract
Employment Type: Full-time
This role is based in our Howick Place office in London and is a 9‑month contract to cover maternity leave. The Head of Benefits and Pension Operations will lead the global benefits and pension programmes, focusing on the UK and US regions while driving strategic global alignment.
Key Responsibilities
- Assume immediate operational continuity as the benefits expert for the UK and US regions.
- Lead the UK and US annual benefits enrolment processes, ensuring effective communication and a positive colleague experience.
- Develop and implement short‑term strategies to enhance benefits and pension programmes during the maternity cover period.
- Identify and drive global benefits alignment opportunities, including exploring a global broker partnership and optimizing global benefits management.
- Introduce and implement new benefits programmes as required, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Lead benefits related activities in M&A scenarios, ensuring smooth transitions, compliance and alignment.
- Monitor global trends in benefits and pensions to maintain competitiveness and compliance.
- Drive the benefits Workday implementation, integrating with AON and Bswift, and coordinate change management to minimise disruption.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers and consultants, driving continuous improvement and cost efficiency.
- Act as a trusted advisor to colleagues and senior leadership, providing clear communication and insights on benefits and pensions.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with benefits and pension operations.
- Ensure compliance with all local, regional and global laws, regulations and internal policies.
- Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance and Legal teams to align benefits and pension operations with organisational goals.
- Support professional development of an international team of 8, setting clear goals, monitoring performance and fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation.
- Lead or support projects related to benefits, pensions, policy reviews, system upgrades or vendor transitions, delivering key initiatives within the 9‑month period.
Skills & Abilities
- Deliver immediate results in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong leadership skills, able to manage and inspire an international team.
- Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, with sound recommendation abilities.
- Excellent project management, budgeting and prioritisation skills.
- Exceptional change‑management skills.
- Experience with Workday integration, particularly aligning benefits platforms such as AON and Bswift.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organisation.
- High attention to detail and a hands‑on approach to seeing programmes through to completion.
- Solution‑oriented mindset, capable of challenging the status quo and developing practical, innovative solutions.
- Resilience and composure, able to thrive and deliver in high‑pressure situations.
- Adaptability and proactive approach to navigating change in a global environment.
Knowledge & Qualifications
- Experience leading an international benefits function, including US‑based benefit programmes, with a track record of strategic impact.
- Experience managing global benefits in a fast‑paced organisation, building strong relationships at all levels.
- Relevant degree or professional qualification such as CIPD or equivalent, complemented by substantial HR experience and knowledge of international benefit practices.
- Expertise in managing complex vendor relationships across jurisdictions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, including management of vendors across all aspects.
Employee Benefits Overview
- Great community: welcoming culture with in‑person and online events.
- Opportunity to volunteer up to four days per year with charity match funding.
- Career development: bespoke training, mentoring and access to LinkedIn Learning.
- 25 days annual leave (27 after two years), birthday leave day and up to four weeks work‑from‑home.
- Flexible personal benefits and company‑funded private medical cover.
- ShareMatch scheme for becoming an Informa shareholder.
- Well‑being support through EAP, mental health first aiders and healthy‑living subsidies.
- Recognition through global awards and kudos programme.
- International collaboration with teams worldwide.
We welcome applicants who possess most, but not all, of the listed skills and experience.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. If you would like to request reasonable adjustments for the hiring process or the advertised position, please inform the relevant Talent Acquisition Partner. All decisions are based on qualifications and merit; we do not discriminate on any protected characteristic.
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