Job Title: Employee Benefits Manager Location: Wrexham-hybrid (preference), also open to London-hybrid Hours: 37.5 per week 2 rounds of interviews Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Governance • Partner with the HR Director to develop and execute the EMEA benefits strategy that aligns with global business objectives and financial discipline. • Conduct market and competitor analyses to ensure benefit programs remain best-in-class and support talent attraction and retention within the financial services sector. • Provide expert guidance on benefits design, vendor strategy, and governance frameworks, ensuring programs adhere to both local market regulations and corporate risk standards. • Serve as an advisor for EMEA benefits strategy during M&A, organizational changes, or policy harmonization efforts. Program Design & Delivery • Oversee the design, renewal, and management of core benefit programs (medical, risk, retirement, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits) across multiple EMEA markets. • Assess program competitiveness, employee value, and cost-effectiveness using data-driven insights and financial modeling. • Partner with finance, legal, and compliance to ensure benefit programs meet both regulatory obligations and internal audit requirements. • Lead relationships with external brokers, insurers, and consultants, ensuring performance accountability and cost optimization. Operational Excellence & Transformation • Take a hands-on leadership role in the initial phase to document and enhance regional operational processes. • Partner with the Philippines shared services team to transition day-to-day administrative and transactional activities, ensuring seamless handover, strong governance, and clear accountability. • Establish key performance indicators and reporting structures to monitor service delivery quality, turnaround times, and compliance post-transition. • Drive standardization and automation opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement • Partner closely with HR Business Partners, regional HR leads, and centers of excellence to align benefits with workforce needs and business strategy. • Work with internal communications teams to deliver clear, consistent, and engaging employee communications around benefit offerings and changes. • Represent the EMEA region in global benefits settings and contribute to global strategy, benchmarking, and policy alignment. Qualifications & Experience: • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (CIPD, CEBS, or equivalent) preferred. • 7 years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, with at least 4 years managing multi-country programs within the financial services or banking industry. • Demonstrated experience balancing hands-on program management with strategic oversight and governance. • Proven success managing or supporting shared services or offshoring transitions in a complex, regulated organization. • Strong analytical and financial acumen; adept in Excel, benefits modeling, and HR systems. • In-depth understanding of EMEA benefits practices, statutory frameworks, and market norms. • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with an ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners. Key Competencies: • Strategic Agility: Sees the big picture while managing immediate priorities. • Governance Mindset: Champions compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation. • Operational Excellence: Delivers accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality execution. • Relationship Building: Builds trust across regions, functions, and levels. • Analytical Rigor: Uses data and market insights to drive recommendations.