Benefits Manager

Roles and responsibilities

• Develop and implement compensation and benefits strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives.
• Manage and administer employee compensation programs, including salary structures, incentives, and bonuses, salary increment and bonus cycles.
• Oversee the design and administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance and other welfare benefits.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and analysis of compensation and benefits to ensure competitiveness in the market and ensure salary bands are available for each market in the region.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing compensation and benefits programs.
• Collaborate with HR leadership and headquarters to develop policies and procedures related to compensation and benefits administration.
• Provide guidance and support to HR team members and managers on compensation and benefits-related matters.
• Manage the periodic budget cycle.
• Design the monetary and non-monetary framework for the region.
• Review the incentive schemes.
• Lead the development and implementation of global mobility policies and procedures in the region.
• Manage international assignments, including assignment planning, tax compliance, and mobility support services.
• Collaborate with legal and tax advisors to ensure compliance with international regulations and tax laws.
• Partner with stakeholders across departments to facilitate smooth transitions for employees relocating internationally.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in compensation, benefits, and global mobility.
• Design appropriate harmonisation programmes to support post-merger activities.
• Proactively seek alternative systems and technologies to support organisational evolution and prepare appropriate proposals to drive continuously toward improvement and optimisation of HR / Reward services.
• Contribute to strategic planning, monthly reporting, budgeting, and other assigned special projects.

The Successful Applicant
The successful candidate will have/be:

• Master's Degree, preferably in Business Administration or HR.
• Minimum 10+ years of relevant HR experience with expertise in C&B and global mobility.
• Project management experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge of C&B practices in Middle East, India, and Africa.
• Extensive experience of job evaluation methodologies such as Mercer and their global mobility tools.
• Experience from working with remuneration models, bonus schemes, and corporate schemes (medical, life, workmen compensation, etc.).
• Experience of HR systems and tools.
• STI/LTI experience (design and management) would be a plus.

Desired candidate profile

• Program Development: Designing and implementing employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks.
• Vendor Management: Collaborating with insurance carriers and third-party administrators to negotiate contracts, manage relationships, and ensure service quality.
• Compliance: Ensuring that all benefits programs comply with federal and state regulations, such as ERISA, ACA, and other relevant laws.
• Communication: Developing and delivering clear communication strategies to educate employees about their benefits options and changes.
• Enrollment and Administration: Managing the enrollment process for benefits programs, ensuring accurate data entry and administration of benefits.
• Data Analysis: Analyzing benefits usage and costs to evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements.
• Employee Support: Serving as a resource for employees regarding benefits inquiries, issues, and claims, providing guidance and resolution.
• Budget Management: Developing and managing the budget for employee benefits programs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Trends Monitoring: Staying informed about industry trends and best practices in employee benefits to recommend enhancements and innovations.
• Reporting: Preparing reports and presentations for senior management on the status and effectiveness of benefits programs.