Job Description
This role is based in our Howick Place office in London. We are seeking a high‑impact, results‑driven professional to serve as the Head of Benefits and Pension Operations during a 9‑month maternity leave. This role is critical in ensuring the seamless management of global benefits and pension programmes, delivering immediate results in the UK and US while driving strategic global alignment.
Role Profile
The successful candidate will lead the UK and US annual benefits enrolment processes, rollout new benefits programmes, manage a team of eight colleagues (three in the UK and five in the US), enhance colleague experience, optimise vendor relationships, and identify opportunities for global benefits alignment. The role requires a proactive leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Quickly establish yourself as the benefits expert for the UK and US regions, ensuring seamless day‑to‑day operations.
- Lead the UK and US annual benefits enrolment processes, ensuring smooth execution, effective communication, and a positive colleague experience.
- Develop and implement short‑term strategies to maintain and enhance the effectiveness of benefits and pension programmes during the maternity cover period.
- Identify and drive global benefits alignment opportunities, including exploring a global broker partnership and optimising global benefits management.
- Introduce and implement new benefits programmes, aligning with organisational goals and ensuring positive colleague experience.
- Lead benefits related activities in M&A scenarios, ensuring smooth transitions, compliance, and alignment with organisational goals.
- Monitor global trends in benefits and pensions to ensure competitiveness and compliance.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the team, fostering collaboration, professional development, and alignment with organisational objectives.
- Set clear goals and expectations for the team, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback.
- Support team members in managing workloads and resolving challenges.
- Promote a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
- Serve as the benefits lead for the UK/US Workday implementation project, ensuring seamless integration with internal benefits platforms (AON and Bswift).
- Collaborate with HR, Payroll, IT, and external vendors to manage change and ensure minimal disruption.
- Develop and execute a communication plan to keep colleagues informed and engaged during transition.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure high‑quality service delivery and cost efficiency.
- Act as a trusted advisor to colleagues, providing clear and timely communication about benefits and pension offerings.
- Ensure a positive colleague experience during benefits transitions and annual enrolments.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with benefits and pension operations.
- Oversee and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and Legal teams to align benefits and pension operations with organisational goals.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations.
- Lead or support ongoing projects related to benefits and pensions, such as policy reviews, system upgrades, or vendor transitions.
- Ensure timely and successful delivery of key initiatives (annual enrolments) within the 9‑month period.
Qualifications
Skills & Abilities
- Proven ability to deliver immediate results in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong leadership skills, including managing an international team.
- Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent project management, budgeting, and prioritisation skills.
- Exceptional change management skills.
- Experience with Workday integration, especially aligning benefits platforms such as AON and Bswift.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- High attention to detail and hands‑on approach.
- Solution‑oriented mindset.
- Resilience and composure under pressure.
- Adaptability and proactive approach to change.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Knowledge & Qualifications
- Experience leading international benefits functions, including US benefit programmes.
- Experience managing global benefits in a fast‑paced organisation.
- Degree or professional qualification such as CIPD or equivalent, with substantial HR experience and knowledge of international benefits practices.
- Expertise in managing complex vendor relationships across jurisdictions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes.
Additional Information
- A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company‑funded private medical cover.
- A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares.
- Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps, and more.
- Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes.
- Chance to collaborate with teams around the world.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. If you need reasonable adjustments or accommodations, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner.
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