Benefits Advisor

About Alvarez and Marsal: Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a leading independent global professional services firm, specializing in providing turnaround management, performance improvement and corporate advisory services. With over 11,000 professionals based in 80+ locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, our firm excels in problem solving and value creation.

The team: Working closely alongside the Global People Operations team and reporting to the Benefits Manager EMEA, the Benefits Advisor will have responsibility in administering the A&M benefits programs for Europe, the Middle East and Cayman Islands locations and their respective local office managers. This is an exciting role within the HR team and one that will provide the opportunity for growth and development with employer sponsored health, insurance, wellness and pension programs.

The ideal candidate will be looking for a challenging role in a dynamic, entrepreneurial and professional company and will have experience in functioning as a liaison between vendors and employees while advising employees on eligibility, coverage and other benefits matters. Maintaining benefits records and ensuring compliance with applicable country laws and regulations will be a key responsibility. This role can be based in either London or Manchester - we are accepting applications for both locations.

How you will contribute:

• Serve as the main point of contact for benefit-related issues from colleagues and suppliers.
• Mediate between third-party vendors and employees, such as by assisting with employees' benefits-related questions or escalating to senior management as needed.
• Partner with Payroll and HRIS to resolve issues and implement process and system changes.
• Partner with local office managers in Europe, Middle East and the Cayman Islands on benefit issues and projects.
• Responsible for daily support/development of the Benefit Analysts to ensure quality/timely outputs.
• Manage the UK pension scheme, including providing information to payroll.
• Instruct Payroll each month of any pension and benefit-related changes.
• Fulfil all reporting requirements of relevant government rules and regulations.
• Process routine invoices for payment with third-party vendors.
• Prepare and distribute written and verbal information to inform employees about insurance, pension and wellness topics.
• Supervise and coordinate work activities of third-party vendors relating to insurance, pension and wellness topics.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the professional development of the HR function.
• Assist with the evaluation of benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive and in compliance with legal requirements.
• Develop methods to improve employment policies, processes, and practices, and recommend changes to management.
• Manipulate data and produce periodic reports for third-party vendors, employees, and senior leadership as needed.

Qualifications:

• University degree with CIPD qualification is preferred.
• Some prior experience in benefits administration, with a focus on global professional services environments.
• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits principles, practices, and relevant regulations across multiple countries.
• Knowledge of principles, procedures, and cyclical processes related to employer-sponsored benefits (e.g., private healthcare and pension), other fringe benefits and wellness initiatives.
• Proficiency in auditing/investigating products, services and issues, through data processing, providing professional insight and recommendations.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, court procedures, precedents, and executive orders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle complex, multi-faceted benefits issues.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential information at maximum discretion.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel & Word preferred.
• Experience working with an HRIS, preferably Workday.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.

Your journey at A&M: We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritize an employee experience that fosters each person's unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning, rewards your contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy. With top-notch training and on-the-job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career. We prioritize your well-being, providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique, entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favorite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high-performing and passionate professionals.