Head of Benefits and Pension Operations - 9 Month Contract in London

We are seeking a high-impact, results-driven professional to serve as the Head of Benefits and Pension Operations during a 9-month maternity leave. This role is critical in ensuring the seamless management of global benefits and pension programmes, with a focus on delivering immediate results in the UK and US regions while driving strategic global alignment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing key initiatives, including the UK and US annual benefits enrolment processes and the rollout of any new benefits programmes.

The role will also involve managing a team of 8 colleagues (3 in the UK and 5 in the US), while focusing on enhancing the colleague experience, optimising vendor relationships, and identifying opportunities for global benefits alignment. This role requires a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates agility and flexibility, and brings innovative thinking to deliver measurable outcomes within tight timelines.

• Quickly establish themselves as the benefits expert for the UK and US regions, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations of global benefits and pension programmes.
• Lead the UK and US annual benefits enrolment processes, ensuring smooth execution, effective communication, and a positive colleague experience.

• Develop and implement short-term strategies to maintain and enhance the effectiveness of benefits and pension programmes during the maternity cover period.
• Identify and drive global benefits alignment opportunities, including exploring a global broker partnership and optimising global benefits management.
• Introduce and implement new benefits programmes as required, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, effective communication, and a positive colleague experience.
• Lead benefits related activities in M&A scenarios, ensuring smooth transitions, compliance, and alignment with organisation goals.
• Monitor global trends in benefits and pensions to ensure competitiveness and compliance.

• Provide leadership and guidance to the team, fostering collaboration, professional development, and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Set clear goals and expectations for the team, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback to ensure high standards of delivery.
• Support team members in managing their workloads, resolving challenges, and developing their skills to enhance overall team effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.

• Serve as the benefits lead for the UK/US Workday implementation project, ensuring seamless integration with internal benefits platforms (AON and Bswift).
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, IT, and external vendors to manage change effectively and ensure minimal disruption to colleagues.
• Develop and execute a communication plan to keep colleagues informed and engaged during the transition.

• Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure high-quality service delivery, cost efficiency, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement in vendor performance to meet colleague needs.

• Act as a trusted advisor to colleagues, providing clear and timely communication about benefits and pension offerings.
• Ensure a positive colleague experience during benefits transitions and annual enrolments, addressing any issues promptly and effectively.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with benefits and pension operations.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with all relevant local, regional, and global laws, regulations, and internal policies related to benefits and pensions.

• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure alignment and integration of benefits and pension operations with broader organisational goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations on benefits and pension matters.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure understanding and engagement with benefits and pension offerings.

• Lead or support ongoing projects related to benefits and pensions, such as policy reviews, system upgrades, or vendor transitions.
• Ensure timely and successful delivery of key initiatives (namely the annual enrolment in the UK and US) within the 9-month period, maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

• Proven ability to deliver immediate results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and inspire an international team across multiple regions.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw accurate conclusions and make sound recommendations.
• Excellent project management, budgeting, and prioritisation skills, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional change management skills.
• Experience with Workday system integration, particularly in aligning benefits platforms such as AON and Bswift, to drive strategic outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• High attention to detail, with a hands-on approach to seeing strategies and programmes through to completion.
• Solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to challenge the status quo and develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Resilience and composure, with the ability to thrive and deliver exceptional results in high-pressure situations.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to navigating change in a dynamic, global environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) are essential.
• Proven experience in leading an international benefits function, including US based benefit programmes, with a strong track record of delivering strategic impact within a regulated PLC environment.
• Extensive experience in managing global benefits within a fast-paced organisation, with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships at all levels and respond proactively to a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Holds a relevant degree or professional qualification, such as a Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) or equivalent professional membership, complemented by substantial HR experience and in-depth knowledge of international/global benefit practices.
• Proven expertise in managing complex vendor relationships across multiple jurisdictions, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, including managing vendors across all aspects of schemes, with the ability to oversee these effectively in partnership with outsourced providers.