Benefits Manager

About the Role

Kennedys is in search of a Benefits Manager to become a vital part of our global HR team, with the position based at one of our Chelmsford, London, or Manchester offices. This role is pivotal in crafting and executing our worldwide benefits strategy to keep our offerings competitive, aligned with the market, and supportive of employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention.

Working in close collaboration with HR, Finance, leadership, and external vendors, you will oversee benefit program design, provider management, employee communication, and optimization efforts throughout the firm.

Reporting directly to the Global Head of Reward, you will ensure our benefits continue to enrich our employee value proposition and meet the diverse needs of our global workforce. This position presents a unique chance to influence and advance benefits strategies within a dynamic global law firm, contributing to larger reward initiatives tied to our company-wide strategy.

Recognizing the value of flexibility, Kennedys offers a hybrid work model supporting a balanced approach between home and office that fosters individual needs, collaboration, and team success.

Team Environment

You will join the Kennedys HR team which supports employees worldwide across five regions: APAC, EMEA, US, LATAM, and the UK. Key HR responsibilities include Business Partnering, Talent, Recruitment, Responsible Business, Operations, and Reward. Expect a high-energy, fast-paced global environment focused on making a meaningful impact for our workforce, clients, and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and oversee the firm's global benefits program and strategic roadmap, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Review and enhance local market benefit offerings in collaboration with regional HR teams to maintain competitiveness.
• Align benefits with corporate strategy and wellbeing goals.
• Manage and foster positive relationships with benefits providers and global brokers.
• Lead annual benefit renewals, contract negotiations, and oversee benefit implementation and administration.
• Track benefit usage and employee feedback, recommending improvements.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and governance standards concerning benefits.
• Develop and update benefits policies and procedures together with HR Operations.
• Control benefits budget and expenses while coordinating regularly with Finance.
• Create engaging communications to boost employee awareness and utilization of benefits.
• Provide support for complex benefits inquiries.
• Lead and take part in global benefits harmonization projects.
• Assess new benefits and technological solutions, recommending program enhancements to management.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts in benefits administration and delivery.
• Manage a team of two Reward Administrators.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven experience managing employee benefits at a large professional services firm, preferably with global exposure.
• Strong understanding of benefit scheme design and current market practices.
• Experience in overseeing third-party provider relationships.
• Solid project management capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder communication and relationship management skills.
• Commercial mindset with financial acumen.
• Familiarity with global mobility and international benefits frameworks.

Additional Information

The role emphasizes inclusivity; please inform us if you require any accommodations to facilitate your application.

Note: Experience indications serve as a guideline and do not exclude candidates with varying experience levels.