Director of Benefits in Wrexham

Job Title: Associate Director – Benefits (EMEA)

Location: Wrexham (Hybrid Preferred) | Open to London (Hybrid)

Job Type: 6 month Contract

Contract-to-Hire (CTH)

Bill Rate: £50/hr

Interview Rounds: 2

Role Overview

The Associate Director – Benefits will lead the design, governance, and delivery of benefits programs across multiple EMEA markets. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on program management and requires strong partnership with HR, Finance, Legal, and global benefits teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Partner with the HR Director to develop and execute the EMEA benefits strategy aligned with global goals.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to ensure benefits remain competitive in the financial services sector.
• Advise on benefits design, vendor strategy, and governance frameworks.
• Support strategic initiatives during M&A, organizational changes, and policy harmonization.

2. Program Design & Delivery

• Lead the design, renewal, and management of core benefit programs (medical, risk, retirement, wellbeing, lifestyle).
• Use data-driven insights and financial modeling to assess competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, and Compliance to ensure regulatory and audit readiness.
• Manage relationships with brokers, insurers, and consultants.

3. Operational Excellence & Transformation

• Document and enhance regional operational processes.
• Collaborate with shared services teams in the Philippines to transition administrative activities.
• Establish KPIs to ensure quality, compliance, and service delivery accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to automate, standardize, and improve processes.

4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with HRBPs, regional HR teams, and global centers of excellence.
• Partner with internal communications for clear and engaging benefit program communication.
• Represent EMEA in global benefits meetings and support strategy alignment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CIPD/CEBS certification preferred.
• 7+ years’ progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, including 4+ years managing multi-country programs within financial services or banking.
• Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• Experience with shared services or offshoring transitions.
• Strong analytical, financial, and Excel skills; experience with HR systems.
• Deep understanding of EMEA benefits regulations and market norms.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Agility: Ability to balance long-term vision with operational realities.
• Governance Mindset: Ensures compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation.
• Operational Excellence: Executes with accuracy and efficiency.
• Relationship Building: Builds trust across regions and functions.
• Analytical Rigor: Uses data and insights to influence decisions.