Manager, International Benefits Strategy

Job Description

Work Arrangement

This role is based remotely, but if you live within a 50-mile radius of Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Detroit (MI), Warren (MI), or Mountain View (CA) you are expected to report to that location three times a week, at minimum.

The Role

The Manager, International Benefits Strategy is a highly strategic and influential role responsible for developing, executing, and managing employee benefits programs across multiple countries. This position reports to the Director, Global Benefits, Hourly Compensation & Labor Relations. This leader will ensure the competitive positioning, compliance, and sustainability of global benefit offerings, aligning them with organizational goals and workforce needs. The incumbent acts as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and external partners, elevating the employee experience and supporting the company’s objectives. The Manager, International Benefits Strategy reports to the Director of Global Benefits, Hourly Compensation & Labor Relations. This role has direct reports, will coordinate work with regional HR professionals, and serve as a leader and mentor to immediate team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Design: Spearhead the formulation of international benefits strategies that support the organization’s business objectives and reflect local market trends, regulations, and employee expectations. Oversee the design and ongoing management of new and existing programs, such as health insurance, pension plans, wellness initiatives, and paid leave policies.
• Global Program Management: Coordinate with local HR teams, external vendors, and consultants to deliver best-in-class solutions tailored to regional requirements. Partner with Risk Management to oversee the GM Captive.
• Governance & Compliance: Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies in each region. Stay abreast of international legislative developments, proactively adjusting benefits programs to maintain compliance and mitigate risk.
• Benchmarking & Analytics: Lead the regular benchmarking of company benefit programs against industry standards and competitors. Utilize quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps, and present actionable recommendations for improvements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding international benefits. Develop and deliver training sessions, presentations, and communications that inform and engage the global workforce.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with benefits providers, brokers, consultants, and other vendors. Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements to ensure optimal value and quality for employees and the organization.
• Financial Oversight: Collaborate with Finance and HR teams to develop, monitor, and forecast budgets for international benefits programs. Analyze cost implications and strive to balance program costs with employee satisfaction and organizational sustainability.
• Process Improvement: Continuously seek opportunities to streamline and enhance benefit administration processes through technology, automation, and best practices. Lead cross-functional projects to improve the efficiency and accessibility of programs.
• Employee Advocacy: Champion the employee experience by advocating for equitable, inclusive, and innovative benefits solutions. Solicit feedback and incorporate employee perspectives into program design.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (CEBS, GPHR, etc.) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in employee benefits, compensation, or HR management, with at least 3 years in an international or global capacity.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of international benefits design, administration, and compliance requirements. Familiarity with health and welfare systems, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and regional employment laws.

Skills/Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Data analysis and reporting
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cross-cultural competency and adaptability
• Negotiation and vendor management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment
• Strong English written and verbal communication

Attributes

• Professional Integrity: Demonstrates discretion, reliability and ethical judgment in handling sen