Human Resources - Benefits Manager, International - VP - Based in London

Nuveen is a global investment leader, managing public and private assets for clients around the world and on behalf of TIAA, our parent company and one of the world’s largest institutional investors. We invest in the growth of businesses, real estate, infrastructure and natural capital, providing clients with the reliability, access and foresight unique to our heritage. Our prevailing perspective on the future drives our ambition to innovate and adapt our business to the changing needs of investors - all to pursue lasting performance for our clients, our communities and our global economy.

Overview of the Role

The VP, International Benefits is responsible for delivering Nuveen's global benefits offering across 26 countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. This role also involves supporting with continuously evaluating and evolving Nuveen's international benefits strategy and philosophy. The role ensures our benefits offering aligns with business requirements and our expanding footprint, positions Nuveen competitively in key markets, enhances our employee value proposition, and maintains adherence to all regulatory and compliance requirements.

This role reports to the Head of International Employment Tax, Benefits Strategy & Global Mobility, with matrix accountability to the Head of International HR and the Global Head of Benefits for TIAA. The role has oversight of the India-based shared services benefits administration team and a benefits specialist based in London.

This role requires a dynamic, results-oriented professional who brings exceptional drive and commercial acumen. The ideal candidate will demonstrate resilience in navigating complex, multi-jurisdictional challenges while maintaining momentum and urgency. Success requires a hands-on leadership style—someone willing to "roll up their sleeves" and work alongside the team to solve problems and deliver outcomes. Central to this role is genuine accountability for results and a passion for delivering exceptional employee and stakeholder experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Planning
  • Lead the execution and continuous refinement of the benefits and pension strategy for all Nuveen locations in EMEA, APAC, and LATAM.
  • Conduct regular reviews of benefit offerings and policies to ensure alignment with legislative changes, market trends, cost efficiency, ROI, and employee needs.
  • Collaborate with business leadership, HR partners, and TIAA to continuously enhance the benefits and wellbeing program.
• Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure compliance with all benefits-related regulatory and reporting requirements across all jurisdictions.
  • Maintain robust internal controls through regular process audits and compliance reviews to identify and mitigate risks.
  • Serve as key facilitator for the UK Pension Governance Committee, partnering with the Chair to drive governance activities and strategic decision-making.
  • Present benefits strategy updates to regional Boards and Executive Committees as required.
• Vendor & Relationship Management
  • Manage strategic relationships with brokers and benefits providers, including leading annual renewal processes and vendor performance management.
  • Maintain comprehensive vendor management framework, including due diligence, performance monitoring, and risk assessment for all benefits suppliers.
  • Negotiate competitive terms and ensure service level agreements are consistently met.
• Operations & Delivery
  • Provide leadership and oversight to the India-based Benefits operations team, including process optimization, training, and quality assurance.
  • Design and implement end-to-end processes (in partnership with other functions e.g. payroll as required) that ensure accurate and efficient benefits administration.
  • Lead benefits integration and development for new office locations, expansions, and M&A activity.
• Communication & Engagement
  • Design and lead benefits communication strategies and employee engagement initiatives to drive awareness and utilization.
  • Act as subject matter expert and trusted advisor to employees, managers, and HR business partners on all benefits-related matters.
  • Ensure communications are tailored appropriately for diverse cultural contexts and employee populations.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive hands-on benefits leadership experience, with a strong track record of successfully delivering international benefits programmes; Financial Services sector experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and managing benefits, wellbeing, and pension programs across multiple countries and regulatory environments.
• Deep knowledge of benefits legislation, compliance requirements, and market practices across EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions.
• Extensive experience with end-to-end benefits operations, including vendor management, payroll integration, HRIS systems, and cross-functional process design.
• Advanced proficiency with HR technology platforms and data analytics tools; experience leveraging AI or automation to enhance benefits delivery is advantageous.
• Track record of driving offshoring initiatives to maximise efficiency, and in leading and developing teams involved in benefits administration/operations.
• Experience with Darwin and Workday would be advantageous.

Competencies Required

• Strong business and commercial acumen with outstanding analytical and numerical reasoning skills to evaluate complex benefits scenarios and business cases.
• Strategic thinking capability with ability to develop, execute, and adapt long-term benefits strategy aligned to organizational objectives.
• Deep understanding of the international benefits landscape, including regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and emerging trends across multiple jurisdictions.
• High degree of resilience with ability to successfully navigate complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities.
• Drive and commitment to advance initiatives with urgency and focus, maintaining momentum through obstacles.
• Exceptional client service orientation with genuine desire to exceed expectations and create outstanding employee experiences.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with proven ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences, from employees to C-suite executives.
• Experience building trust and influence within global, matrixed organizations.
• Cross-cultural competence and sensitivity in working effectively across diverse geographic regions and cultural contexts.
• Meticulous attention to detail in compliance, documentation, and process management.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, diving into details when needed.
• Strong collaboration skills combined with independent ownership and accountability for outcomes.

This role requires no regulatory designation.

Nuveen is committed to providing equal opportunity across all employment practices and we believe our employees have a right to a diverse and inclusive workplace.