Job Summary:
As a Benefits Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing pension and benefit programmes across the EMEA region. Based in Dublin or Limerick, this position supports the EMEA Benefits Manager in ensuring seamless integration and harmonisation of benefits.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in pensions and benefits, excellent communication and organisational skills, and a background in managing vendors and HR systems.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employee wellbeing and contribute to the success of our global operations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Benefits Programmes Analysis: Conduct comprehensive analyses of benefit programmes for integration and harmonisation, providing well-founded recommendations.
* EMEA Wellbeing Initiatives: Support the ongoing development of EMEA Wellbeing initiatives, collaborating with the Senior Benefits Consultant to design and implement internal wellbeing programmes.
* Vendor Management: Manage third-party vendor relationships in alignment with the Corporate Vendor Management Policy, including monitoring performance against SLAs, liaising with procurement and legal teams, and resolving complex issues with vendors.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders-including HR Partners, Finance, Procurement, insurance companies, third-party administrators, consultants, and employees-to ensure quality service delivery, contractual compliance, and prompt resolution of issues.
* Employee Relations: Collaborate closely with the Employee Relations team to ensure benefit implications are properly considered within policies and procedures, offering recommendations to enhance effectiveness and resolve challenges.
* HR Systems Integration: Work in partnership with HR Services, payroll, and HR systems teams to establish effective procedures for day-to-day administration of benefits, including new office setup, benefit changes, and recurring processes.
* Procedure Review: Provide recommendations for the improvement and resolution of issues related to existing procedures and practices.
* Market Research: Research policies, regulatory requirements, and market competitiveness pertaining to pension and benefit programmes for new and existing locations, considering prevailing market practices and trends, and supplying actionable insights.
* Legislative Compliance: Ensure all pension and benefit programmes comply fully with legislative and regulatory requirements.
* Management Information: Prepare and deliver management information in line with regional and corporate standards.
* Budget Planning: Assist the EMEA Benefits Manager with annual budgeting, strategic planning, and monthly budget reviews.
* Daily Administration: Support the daily administration of EMEA benefit programmes.
* Subject Matter Expertise: Act as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries.
* Escalated Concerns: Address escalated participant concerns with professionalism and efficiency.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
1. Pension and Benefit Expertise: Experience / understanding of pension, wellbeing, and benefits programmes across EMEA
2. Global Knowledge: Knowledge of global pension and benefit frameworks
3. Regulatory Acumen: Understanding of regulatory requirements and reporting
4. Vendor Management: Experience managing third-party vendors
5. IT Literacy: Intermediate MS365 Word/Excel skills
6. Budgeting: Budgeting experience or knowledge
7. Consulting Skills: Strong consulting and client service skills at all organisational levels
8. HRIS Familiarity: Familiarity with HRIS (e.g. Workday)
9. Flexible Benefits: Understanding of flexible benefits and platforms
10. Analytical Ability: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
11. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication
12. Organisational Skills: Exceptional organisational skills
13. Independent Work: Independent work capability
14. Discussion Facilitation: Skilled at facilitating discussions and decision-making
15. Pensions Administration: Good knowledge of pensions and pension administration
16. Multi-Country Operations: Experience in multi-country operations
17. TUPE Integration: TUPE integration experience desirable
18. M&A Exposure: M&A and due diligence exposure beneficial