U.S. Head of Benefits
We’re partnering with a global organization seeking a Head of Benefits to own and evolve its U.S. total rewards strategy. This role sits at a highly visible level within HR leadership and plays a critical part in shaping how employees experience health, wellness, retirement, and broader reward programs. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with execution—building scalable programs, managing complex vendor relationships, and translating benefits into meaningful value for employees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set the direction for U.S. benefits and total rewards programs, ensuring alignment with business goals and workforce needs
- Oversee the full lifecycle of benefit offerings, including medical, retirement, disability, leave, wellness, and supplemental programs
- Lead compliance efforts across federal, state, and regulatory requirements, partnering closely with legal and internal stakeholders
- Manage relationships with external carriers, brokers, and consultants, including renewals, negotiations, and performance reviews
- Own benefits budgeting and cost management, identifying opportunities for optimization without sacrificing employee experience
- Develop clear, effective employee communications that drive understanding and engagement
- Lead and mentor a benefits team, establishing priorities, accountability, and professional growth
- Serve as the benefits subject-matter expert during acquisitions and organizational changes
Qualifications:
- Extensive experience leading benefits or total rewards programs in a complex U.S. environment
- Strong command of benefits regulations, market trends, and best practices
- Proven people leadership and the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Data-driven mindset with comfort analyzing cost, utilization, and program effectiveness
- Clear, confident communicator across executive and employee audiences
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced HR education or certifications a plus
- 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits leadership
- Experience with UKG strongly preferred