At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage global benefits and leave programs, ensuring compliance and enhancing employee experience.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on employee wellbeing and global benefits.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing across multiple countries.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in benefits administration and strong knowledge of global HR practices.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
- 4+ years of experience in benefits, leave administration, HR operations, or Total Rewards
- Experience supporting global employee populations and/or benefits administration outside the US strongly preferred
- Knowledge of US benefits and leave regulations including FMLA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA
- Familiarity with international benefits and leave practices in countries such as the UK, India, Canada, or EMEA/APAC regions preferred
- Experience working with HRIS, benefits administration systems, and payroll platforms
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Demonstrated customer service orientation and employee support mindset
What the job involves
The Global Benefits & Leave Specialist supports the design, administration, and continuous improvement of Smarsh’s global benefits, wellness, and leave programs across multiple countries. This role serves as a key operational partner within the Total Rewards function, ensuring employees receive a high-quality experience while maintaining compliance with country-specific regulations and company policies. The Global Benefits & Leave Specialist independently manages day-to-day benefits and leave administration activities, partners with external vendors and internal stakeholders, and provides guidance to employees and managers regarding benefit offerings, leave programs, wellness initiatives, and related processes. This role also supports global program scaling as the organization continues to grow internationally.
Global Benefits Administration
- Administer global employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, disability, wellness initiatives, and supplemental benefit offerings across multiple countries
- Support benefit operations in the US and international regions, including coordination with country-specific vendors, brokers, and administrators
- Serve as a subject matter resource for employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, life event changes, and plan utilization
- Manage benefits onboarding and annual open enrollment processes, including employee communications, education sessions, and system coordination
- Ensure accurate benefits data management and payroll deductions through HRIS and payroll systems
- Partner with the Global Benefits/Total Rewards Manager to support program enhancements, renewals, benchmarking, and process improvements
- Identify opportunities to improve employee experience, operational efficiency, and scalability of global benefits processes
Leave of Absence Administration
- Administer leave of absence programs including FMLA, statutory leave programs, disability, parental leave, sick leave, and country-specific leave requirements
- Coordinate directly with employees, managers, HR partners, and third-party administrators regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, timelines, and return-to-work processes
- Track employee leave status and maintain accurate documentation while ensuring confidentiality and compliance
- Support international leave administration and coordinate with regional partners to ensure alignment with local regulations and practices
- Escalate complex or high-risk leave matters appropriately while exercising sound judgment in routine case management
Wellness & Employee Experience
- Coordinate and support global wellness initiatives and employee wellbeing programs in partnership with Total Rewards and People teams
- Assist in the development and execution of employee education and engagement efforts related to benefits and wellness offerings
- Support communication strategies that improve employee understanding and utilization of available programs and resources
- Gather employee feedback and identify opportunities to enhance participation and overall employee experience
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international regulations related to benefits and leave administration, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and applicable country-specific requirements
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting for audits, renewals, and regulatory compliance activities
- Support annual compliance filings, benefits audits, and vendor reporting requirements
- Monitor changes in legislation and escalate potential impacts to leadership
Vendor & Stakeholder Partnership
- Partner with brokers, insurance carriers, leave administrators, and external vendors to ensure timely issue resolution and quality service delivery
- Assist with vendor management activities including enrollment accuracy, billing reconciliation, reporting validation, and operational issue resolution
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Payroll, HR Operations, Legal, Finance, and People Business Partners to support effective program administration
- Contribute to ongoing process documentation and operational best practices
Global Benefits Specialist employer: Smarsh
At Smarsh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Global Benefits Specialist, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing our global benefits and wellness programs, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With opportunities for continuous learning and development, along with a commitment to compliance and employee satisfaction, Smarsh offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the HR field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Benefits Specialist
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Smarsh!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Smarsh.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Benefits Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Smarsh. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Smarsh and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Smarsh. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Smarsh's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smarsh
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Smarsh.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Smarsh will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Smarsh and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
