Job Title: Associate Director – Benefits (EMEA)
Location: Wrexham (Hybrid Preferred) | Open to London (Hybrid)
Job Type: 6 month Contract
Contract-to-Hire (CTH)
Bill Rate: £50/hr
Interview Rounds: 2
Role Overview
The Associate Director – Benefits will lead the design, governance, and delivery of benefits programs across multiple EMEA markets. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on program management and requires strong partnership with HR, Finance, Legal, and global benefits teams.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Governance
* Partner with the HR Director to develop and execute the EMEA benefits strategy aligned with global goals.
* Conduct market and competitor analysis to ensure benefits remain competitive in the financial services sector.
* Advise on benefits design, vendor strategy, and governance frameworks.
* Support strategic initiatives during M&A, organizational changes, and policy harmonization.
2. Program Design & Delivery
* Lead the design, renewal, and management of core benefit programs (medical, risk, retirement, wellbeing, lifestyle).
* Use data-driven insights and financial modeling to assess competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
* Partner with Finance, Legal, and Compliance to ensure regulatory and audit readiness.
* Manage relationships with brokers, insurers, and consultants.
3. Operational Excellence & Transformation
* Document and enhance regional operational processes.
* Collaborate with shared services teams in the Philippines to transition administrative activities.
* Establish KPIs to ensure quality, compliance, and service delivery accuracy.
* Identify opportunities to automate, standardize, and improve processes.
4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
* Work closely with HRBPs, regional HR teams, and global centers of excellence.
* Partner with internal communications for clear and engaging benefit program communication.
* Represent EMEA in global benefits meetings and support strategy alignment.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CIPD/CEBS certification preferred.
* 7+ years’ progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, including 4+ years managing multi-country programs within financial services or banking.
* Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
* Experience with shared services or offshoring transitions.
* Strong analytical, financial, and Excel skills; experience with HR systems.
* Deep understanding of EMEA benefits regulations and market norms.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Key Competencies
* Strategic Agility: Ability to balance long-term vision with operational realities.
* Governance Mindset: Ensures compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation.
* Operational Excellence: Executes with accuracy and efficiency.
* Relationship Building: Builds trust across regions and functions.
* Analytical Rigor: Uses data and insights to influence decisions.