Senior Benefits Manager

Implement and manage global benefits and well being programs in close partnership with the Talent Total Rewards Associate Director . Elevates client experience, ensures global compliance, and manages a high performing team.

Job Description

Global Benefits Strategy, Operations, and Governance

• Translate business priorities into a global benefits roadmap with the Associate Director; sequence initiatives based on impact, risk, and ROI.
• Oversee administration of global benefits (retirement; medical/dental/vision; life/AD&D; disability/leave; EAP/well‑being) across regions and vendors; serve as escalation point for complex matters.
• Establish and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and operating rhythms; drive continuous improvement and issue prevention.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Payroll, HRIS, Legal, and regional leaders to ensure seamless operations and change adoption.
• Ensure high‑quality handling of inquiries and complaints; manage escalations and maintain a client‑focused experience for Partners, Chiefs, Associates, and Business Services Professionals.

Well‑Being Strategy and Delivery

• Define firmwide well‑being priorities (physical, mental, emotional, financial) with the Associate Director; manage program design and rollout.
• Set metrics and dashboards (engagement, outcomes, cost avoidance) and refine programs based on results.
• Oversee communications and events (newsletters, workshops, seminars) with global relevance and local adaptability.
• Manage wellness/EAP vendors and third‑party providers; set KPIs, and monitor service delivery.
• Champion a culture of well‑being through awareness campaigns, mental health resources, and preventive strategies.

Plan Strategy & Design

• Drive plan design and harmonization across jurisdictions, balancing statutory requirements, competitiveness, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility.
• Build business cases with cost models and scenarios; recommend eligibility, contributions, and plan features.
• Manage implementation of new/changed plans, including change management, employee communications, and enrollment strategy.
• Oversee consultant/broker relationships and RFPs; evaluate quotations and prepare recommendations for management.
• Support due diligence and integration for market entries, relocations, or transactions.

Compliance, Risk, and Analytics

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable local statutory schemes and data privacy requirements via documented controls and periodic audits.
• Oversee preparation and filing of required reports (IRS, DOL, and local authorities) in coordination with internal/external counsel.
• Maintain plan documents, SPDs, amendments, and vendor instructions; ensure timely, accurate updates.
• Own benefits analytics: cost trends, utilization, satisfaction, outcomes; recommend corrective actions and track impact.
• Manage vendor risk (e.g., SOC/ISO reviews), business continuity expectations, and remediation plans.

Budget, Vendor, and Resource Management

• Managing budget, ensuring benefit programs are cost-effective and within the allocated budget including monthly reconciliation of benefit vendor invoices, payroll deductions and firm general ledger

• Approve complex billings and reconciliations; ensure accuracy of funding, premiums, and accruals.
• Build capacity plans; coordinate team and vendor resources to meet demand and service levels.

Team Coaching, and Talent Development

• Mentor team members and create development pathways.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture with clear roles, decision rights, and recognition.
• Provide backup coverage for the Associate Director of Global Benefits as requested to ensure continuity.

Competencies

• Business Understanding & Financial Responsibility: Interprets business issues, sets priorities, and manages the benefits budget; reallocates resources based on performance and risk; tracks ROI and course‑corrects.
• Client Service: Anticipates and interprets stakeholder needs; designs solutions that improve quality, access, and employee experience; handles complex escalations.
• Communication, Negotiation & Influencing: Explains difficult issues and trade‑offs; secures alignment and resources; negotiates with vendors for win‑win outcomes.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops multi‑quarter plans, capacity models, and governance; coordinates cross‑functional resources to deliver on time and at quality.
• Problem Solving: Resolves operational problems impacting effectiveness; applies data and root‑cause methods; implements sustainable improvements and