Global Benefits Director

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Strategy & Program Management
• Evaluate and benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and competitors in the AI infrastructure and semiconductor space to ensure market competitiveness
• Lead annual benefits renewal processes, including vendor negotiations and plan design recommendations
• Drive innovation in benefits offerings to support employee wellbeing and position Astera Labs as an employer of choice

Global Benefits Coordination

• Oversee end-to-end coordination of benefits programs across all operating regions, including Canada, Asia, and EMEA, ensuring consistency, equity, and local compliance
• Serve as the primary point of contact for international benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and in-country HR partners
• Harmonize benefit plan designs across geographies while accommodating regional statutory requirements and cultural expectations
• Maintain a centralized benefits governance framework to ensure transparency, auditability, and scalability across all regions

Retirement Plans & PTO Program Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of the company's 401(k) plan, including plan design, vendor management, compliance testing, and annual reporting (Form 5500)
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; manage plan audits and non-discrimination testing
• Design, administer, and continuously improve PTO programs, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other leave of absence policies across all jurisdictions
• Monitor utilization trends and provide data-driven recommendations to HR leadership to support employee wellbeing and workforce planning

Compliance, Analytics & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and country-specific requirements)
• Analyze benefits utilization data, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategic decisions and optimize program ROI
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless employee experience
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits accounting and reporting
• Support M&A activities and international expansion by assessing and integrating benefits programs

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits strategy and administration
• Strong knowledge of US benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
• Demonstrated experience managing 401(k) plans, including compliance testing, vendor oversight, and employee education
• Hands-on experience administering PTO and leave programs across multiple states, with working knowledge of California leave laws
• Experience managing global benefits programs or coordinating with international brokers and in-country partners
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (Microsoft ecosystem preferred)
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling benefits programs in high-growth technology or semiconductor companies
• Experience coordinating international retirement, pension, and provident fund programs
• CEBS, CBP, or similar professional benefits certification
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

Pay

Base salary range is $200,000 to $250,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role is eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.