Senior Benefits Manager

Job Description

Global Benefits Strategy, Operations, and Governance

• Translate business priorities into a global benefits roadmap with the Associate Director; sequence initiatives based on impact, risk, and ROI.
• Oversee administration of global benefits (retirement; medical/dental/vision; life/AD&D; disability/leave; EAP/well‑being) across regions and vendors; serve as escalation point for complex matters.
• Establish and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and operating rhythms; drive continuous improvement and issue prevention.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Payroll, HRIS, Legal, and regional leaders to ensure seamless operations and change adoption.
• Ensure high‑quality handling of inquiries and complaints; manage escalations and maintain a client‑focused experience for Partners, Chiefs, Associates, and Business Services Professionals.

Well‑Being Strategy and Delivery

• Define firmwide well‑being priorities (physical, mental, emotional, financial) with the Associate Director; manage program design and rollout.
• Set metrics and dashboards (engagement, outcomes, cost avoidance) and refine programs based on results.
• Oversee communications and events (newsletters, workshops, seminars) with global relevance and local adaptability.
• Manage wellness/EAP vendors and third‑party providers; set KPIs, and monitor service delivery.
• Champion a culture of well‑being through awareness campaigns, mental health resources, and preventive strategies.

Plan Strategy & Design

• Drive plan design and harmonization across jurisdictions, balancing statutory requirements, competitiveness, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility.
• Build business cases with cost models and scenarios; recommend eligibility, contributions, and plan features.
• Manage implementation of new/changed plans, including change management, employee communications, and enrollment strategy.
• Oversee consultant/broker relationships and RFPs; evaluate quotations and prepare recommendations for management.
• Support due diligence and integration for market entries, relocations, or transactions.

Compliance, Risk, and Analytics

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable local statutory schemes and data privacy requirements via documented controls and periodic audits.
• Oversee preparation and filing of required reports (IRS, DOL, and local authorities) in coordination with internal/external counsel.
• Maintain plan documents, SPDs, amendments, and vendor instructions; ensure timely, accurate updates.
• Own benefits analytics: cost trends, utilization, satisfaction, outcomes; recommend corrective actions and track impact.
• Manage vendor risk (e.g., SOC/ISO reviews), business continuity expectations, and remediation plans.

Budget, Vendor, and Resource Management

• Managing budget, ensuring benefit programs are cost-effective and within the allocated budget including monthly reconciliation of benefit vendor invoices, payroll deductions and firm general ledger

• Approve complex billings and reconciliations; ensure accuracy of funding, premiums, and accruals.
• Build capacity plans; coordinate team and vendor resources to meet demand and service levels.

Team Coaching, and Talent Development

• Mentor team members and create development pathways.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture with clear roles, decision rights, and recognition.
• Provide backup coverage for the Associate Director of Global Benefits as requested to ensure continuity.

Competencies

• Business Understanding & Financial Responsibility: Interprets business issues, sets priorities, and manages the benefits budget; reallocates resources based on performance and risk; tracks ROI and course‑corrects.
• Client Service: Anticipates and interprets stakeholder needs; designs solutions that improve quality, access, and employee experience; handles complex escalations.
• Communication, Negotiation & Influencing: Explains difficult issues and trade‑offs; secures alignment and resources; negotiates with vendors for win‑win outcomes.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops multi‑quarter plans, capacity models, and governance; coordinates cross‑functional resources to deliver on time and at quality.
• Problem Solving: Resolves operational problems impacting effectiveness; applies data and root‑cause methods; implements sustainable improvements and controls.
• Technical Expertise: Applies in‑depth benefits knowledge to set standards, ensure compliance, and guide managers/specialists; approves complex decisions and designs.
• Working Relationships, Teamwork, Coaching & Guiding: Manages performance through clear goals and coaching; develops talent; collaborates effectively across teams and resolves conflicts.

Other

• Performs other duties as needed to ensure the efficient functioning of the department.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of progressive global benefits experience, including 3–5 years managing managers or large cross‑regional teams.
• Deep knowledge of plan design and compliance (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA) and familiarity with international statutory requirements and data privacy.
• Demonstrated budget ownership, vendor management, RFPs, and contract negotiations with measurable savings and quality improvements.
• Strong analytical fluency; experience with benefits analytics, benchmarking, and ROI measurement.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication; adept at resolving complex issues.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or CEBS or similar certification preferred.

Technical Knowledge:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); intermediate Access skills preferred.
• Expertise in HRIS systems, report writing, and system utilization, with experience in leveraging technology for benefits administration. Workday experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Proven organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage complex projects, multiple priorities, and tight deadlines.
• Advanced project management expertise, including leadership of cross-functional and global initiatives.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.

Leadership & Decision-Making:

• Demonstrated ability to make timely, strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts to achieve objectives creatively and effectively.
• Contributes to innovative ideas and solutions within the functional area and drives continuous improvement.
• Strong business acumen, including planning, organizing, decision-making, and achieving results aligned with customer and business needs.
• Demonstrated ability as a team lead of Benefit Specialists and the ability to provide support and backup to Benefit management.

Industry Knowledge:

• Broad and deep understanding of industry trends, competitor practices, and emerging global benefits strategies.

Work Style:

• Operates independently to achieve long-term goals and targets, while fostering collaboration across teams.
• Determines and pursues courses of action essential to achieving desired outcomes.
• Typically holds project leadership responsibilities and drives results through influence and strategic execution.

Additional Job Description

Location(s)

Time Type

Dechert LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.  The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law.