Senior Director, Global Benefits

About the role

The Head of Global Benefits is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for shaping and executing a forward-looking, innovative global benefits strategy that enhances employee experience, supports business growth, and ensures long-term sustainability. This role leads the design, delivery, and continuous evolution of global benefits programs—balancing competitiveness, cost efficiency, and compliance across diverse markets—while leveraging data, technology, and emerging trends to modernize delivery, optimize processes, and expand reach.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a forward-looking, innovative global benefits strategy, anticipating market trends and evolving workforce needs to ensure programs remain competitive, scalable, and aligned with business objectives
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of health, wellness, retirement, and leave programs across the U.S., EMEA, and Japan, ensuring alignment with business needs, employee expectations, and local market practices
• Drive operational excellence by optimizing benefits processes and leveraging technology and data analytics to expand program reach, enhance the employee experience, and improve efficiency, scalability, and decision-making
• Own and evolve the global benefits communication strategy, ensuring clear, inclusive, and impactful messaging that increases employee understanding, engagement, and perceived value of the total rewards offering
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, Procurement, IT, and regional teams to ensure compliance, financial discipline, and seamless program delivery across geographies
• Ensure strong financial stewardship and fiduciary integrity of global benefits programs, including oversight of funding strategies, vendor performance, and risk management practices
• Lead vendor strategy and governance, including selection, performance management, and optimization of broker and partner relationships to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs), leveraging employee feedback, benchmarking, and data insights to continuously improve program effectiveness and ROI
• Identify and address operational and administrative challenges, developing scalable, cross-functional and cross-regional solutions that enhance efficiency and service delivery
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global benefits team, building capabilities in strategic thinking, innovation, and execution while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Human Resources, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus)
• 12+ years of progressive benefits experience, including significant global/multinational leadership experience in complex, matrixed organizations

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-level strategies while maintaining strong operational oversight and delivering measurable outcomes
• Deep expertise in global benefits design, governance, and compliance across key regions (U.S., EMEA, Japan), with the ability to navigate diverse regulatory and cultural environments
• Demonstrated success driving innovation and transformation, including the use of technology, digital platforms, data analytics, and automation to modernize benefits delivery and improve employee experience
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, funding strategies, vendor negotiations, and cost optimization initiatives
• Track record of balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution, with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and implementation
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to inspire, coach, and build organizational capability in a global, matrixed environment
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences, including senior leadership
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships and drive alignment across functions and regions