Global Benefits Director

New Balance Athletics, Inc.
medical insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, short term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Massachusetts, Brighton
Dec 12, 2024
Who We Are: Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today. JOB MISSION: The Global Benefits Leader is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and management of comprehensive benefits programs across our global operations. This individual will ensure the alignment of benefits with organizational values and goals, compliance with local and international regulations, and a focus on personal and professional associate wellness engagement and retention. They will work collaboratively across New Balance, manage vendor relationships, and oversee a team of benefits professionals to deliver best-in-class benefits that meet the diverse needs of our global associates while controlling costs. The ideal candidate will have significant experience leading benefits programs within complex, multinational environments, ensuring both global consistency and regional customization. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: Strategic Benefits Planning and Program Design Lead the development of a global benefits strategy that aligns with New Balance's overall business objectives and prioritizes associate wellness-personal and professional-satisfaction, retention, and compliance. Design and implement a diverse range of benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement plans, leave policies, and flexible work options, tailored to the diverse needs of a global workforce while balancing global consistency and regional customization. Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and other internal teams to integrate innovative benefits strategies, emerging technologies, and industry best practices into the benefits portfolio. Conduct regular market analysis to ensure benefits remain competitive and adapt to the evolving expectations of associates worldwide. Global Compliance, Governance, and Risk Management Ensure benefits programs comply with local, national, and international regulations, including employment laws and taxation standards, while maintaining a strong focus on regional customization where necessary. Develop and implement robust governance models that ensure accountability for benefits delivery across regions, while maximizing compliance with global Health & Welfare Minimum Standards (HWMS). Identify and manage risks associated with global benefits, such as pension liabilities, health claims, and regulatory changes, while ensuring programs remain financially sustainable. Vendor and Budget Management Select, manage, and negotiate with global benefits vendors to ensure optimal service delivery, competitive pricing, and strict adherence to service-level agreements. Conduct Request for Proposal (RFP) processes and benefit-cost analyses to identify best-in-class providers that align with the company's long-term goals and commitment to associate wellness. Leverage emerging digital tools and platforms to enhance the administration and engagement of benefits offerings for associates. Team Leadership, Development, and Succession Planning Lead, mentor, and develop a team of benefits professionals, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture focused on delivering exceptional value to associates. Develop and implement a succession planning strategy within the benefits team to ensure continuity of leadership and expertise. Provide leadership in day-to-day operations and offer additional support during high-demand periods such as open enrollment, ensuring smooth and efficient execution. Collaborate with senior leadership and external stakeholders to align benefits strategies with broader organizational goals and maintain a future-ready approach to associate wellness and benefits. Associate Engagement, Wellness, and Communication Develop and implement communication strategies to educate associates about their benefits, fostering high levels of engagement and understanding of how these programs support their holistic wellness-both personal and professional. Partner with staff care teams to enhance wellness offerings, including stress management, mental health resources, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), ensuring that wellness is a core component of the benefits strategy. Design benefits programs with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to meet the needs of a diverse workforce, including gender-neutral policies, support for diverse family structures, and mental health and wellness initiatives. Support the development of open enrollment tools and processes that enhance the associate experience and ensure clear, accessible communication. Data Analysis, Feedback, and Reporting Utilize data analytics to measure the effectiveness of benefits programs, including participation rates, associate satisfaction, and return on investment. Develop and implement feedback mechanisms such as surveys and focus groups to gather insights from associates on their satisfaction with benefits offerings, using this input to continuously improve programs. Automate and streamline benefits reporting to improve efficiency, accuracy, and real-time decision-making capabilities in managing global benefits programs. Crisis Management and Adaptability Develop and implement crisis response plans for global benefits programs to ensure flexibility and rapid adaptation in the face of global disruptions, such as natural disasters, pandemics, or geopolitical tensions. Ensure benefits programs can quickly adjust to support associates during times of crisis, maintaining focus on well-being and security. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred). Global benefits certification is highly desirable. Minimum 10 years in global benefits management, with at least 5 years overseeing U.S. programs. Proven success in managing benefits for a multinational organization. Strong leadership skills, with 5+ years of experience managing teams and leading cross-functional, global projects, including developing future leaders within the benefits function. Deep understanding of global benefits practices, international pension laws, and regulatory compliance, with the ability to navigate the complexities of regional variations and compliance requirements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions and improve associate satisfaction. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging with senior leaders on strategic benefits issues. Proven ability to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and optimize vendor relationships, leveraging technological innovations. Proficiency in HR technologies and systems (e.g., Workday Benefits Module). Willingness to travel up to 10% internationally and domestically. Regular Associate Benefits Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture. Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount. Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount. Flexible Work Schedule For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility. Equal Opportunity Employer New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.