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.