Global Benefits Manager

About the role

The strategic and execution-focused Global Benefits Manager leads the design, implementation, and optimization of our global benefits programs. As part of a forward-thinking People & Culture (P&C) team, this role ensures our benefits offerings are competitive, compliant, and aligned with employee needs across all regions. It partners closely with P&C, Finance, brokers, and business leaders to drive a modern, scalable, and data-driven global benefits strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of Sage’s global benefits strategy across the US, UK, India, and APAC, including health, retirement, wellbeing, and leave programs.
• Establish global guiding principles and minimum standards while allowing for local market customization.
• Continuously assess market trends and employee needs to enhance program competitiveness and relevance.
• Drive harmonization and scalability of benefits offerings where appropriate.
• Oversee end-to-end administration of global benefits programs, including annual renewals, enrollments, and ongoing operations.
• Partner with brokers and vendors to evaluate plan design, pricing, and service delivery performance.
• Identify and implement cost optimization opportunities while maintaining strong employee value.
• Ensure effective communication and employee understanding of benefits offerings.
• Ensure all benefits programs comply with local regulations, tax requirements, and data privacy laws (including GDPR and regional equivalents).
• Maintain governance frameworks for global benefits, including policies, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors on regulatory changes and risk mitigation.
• Develop and maintain benefits dashboards and reporting to provide insights into utilization, cost trends, and program effectiveness.
• Conduct regular benchmarking using market data (e.g., Mercer, WTW) to ensure competitiveness.
• Analyze employee feedback and participation data to inform program enhancements.
• Support DEI-aligned benefits analysis to ensure equitable access and outcomes.
• Administer and optimize benefits modules within HRIS platforms, ensuring data accuracy and seamless employee experience.
• Support implementation and enhancement of global benefits technology solutions.
• Partner with People Technology teams to automate processes and improve reporting capabilities.
• Serve as the global subject matter expert for benefits across P&C and the business.
• Manage relationships with global and regional brokers, insurers, and third-party vendors.
• Partner with Finance on benefits budgeting, forecasting, and cost modeling.
• Lead vendor negotiations and renewal strategies to drive value and performance.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing global benefits programs across multiple regions.
• Deep understanding of health, retirement, wellbeing, and leave program design.
• Strong knowledge of global benefits compliance and regulatory environments.
• Experience working with benefits brokers and vendors on plan design and renewals.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms and benefits administration systems.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics for diverse audiences.
• Ability to operate effectively in a global, remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with global benefits strategy development and harmonization efforts.
• Familiarity with benefits benchmarking tools (e.g., Mercer, Willis Towers Watson).
• Exposure to global mobility and expatriate benefits.
• Experience supporting People Technology transformations.

Qualifications

• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or similar certification preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Highly competitive and comprehensive PPO medical, dental, and vision care benefits package with Sage covering most of the premium costs.
• Unique program benefits that support a healthy life.
• Company-sponsored anniversary trip every 5 years.
• 401(k)-matching program of 100% up to 5% of pay.
• Financial support for bachelor's and graduate-level degree programs as well as learning for personal interest.
• Hybrid or remote work options, depending on the role.