Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Global Benefits is responsible for the strategic design, governance, and execution of employee benefit programs across the United States and Canada. This role ensures benefit offerings are competitive, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with the organization’s talent and business strategies. The Senior Manager, Global Benefits serves as a subject matter expert, trusted advisor to leadership, and steward of the employee benefits experience across health and welfare, retirement, time‑off, wellness, and statutory programs.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Program Design
- Lead the design, evaluation, and ongoing optimization of North America benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, leaves, and statutory benefits.
- Ensure benefit programs support attraction, retention, and engagement while balancing cost management and organizational sustainability.
- Partner with leadership to align benefits strategy with compensation philosophy and broader rewards objectives.
Leave Administration & Case Management
- Administer employee leaves of absence, including medical, family, parental, personal, military, and statutory leaves and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (ie FMLA, state/provincial leave programs, military leave requirements).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and manager inquiries related to leaves, documentation requirements and expectations.
- Process leave requests, review documentation, track key dates, and manage return‑to‑work coordination including coordination with payroll to ensure accurate pay treatment and deductions during and after leave.
Governance, Compliance & Risk
- Ensure all U.S. and Canadian benefit programs comply with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS, CRA, provincial health plans).
- Oversee vendor compliance, audits, plan documentation, and reporting requirements.
- Partner closely with Legal, Finance, Payroll, and external advisors to mitigate compliance and financial risk.
Vendor & Financial Management
- Lead vendor selection, contract negotiation, renewals, and performance management for benefits and brokerage partners.
- Oversee benefits budgeting, forecasting, and cost‑containment initiatives, including annual renewals and multi‑year cost strategies.
- Analyze claims data, utilization trends, and market benchmarks to inform plan design decisions.
Employee Experience & Communications
- Ensure employees clearly understand and value their benefits through effective program design, enrollment processes, and communications.
- Oversee annual open enrollment and ongoing benefits communications across North America.
- Partner with internal communications and HR teams to deliver clear, inclusive, and compliant messaging.
Leadership & Stakeholder Partnership
- Lead, coach, and develop benefits team members (direct or indirect)
- Serve as a trusted advisor to HR Business Partners and leaders on benefits‑related topics, including leaves, accommodations, and complex cases.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Compensation, Talent, Finance, and Payroll to deliver an integrated employee experience.
Continuous Improvement
- Monitor external trends, legislation, and market practices to ensure programs remain competitive and innovative.
- Identify process improvements, technology enhancements, and scalable solutions to improve accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 8–12+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits, with responsibility for U.S. and Canadian programs
- Deep knowledge of health and welfare, retirement, and statutory benefits in North America
- Proven experience leading vendor relationships, renewals, and complex benefit projects
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to translate technical benefits topics into clear guidance for leaders and employees
Preferred
- 5+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits in multi-region or global scope
- Strong knowledge of global benefits governance models and regionally diverse regulatory environment.
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or similar designation
- Experience supporting a globally distributed workforce
- Exposure to M&A, integration, or rapid‑growth environments
- Experience presenting benefits strategy to executive leadership and Boards
Benefits Onboard
In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support.
Our Brand Voyage: About Direct Travel
Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. The company has been providing travel management for over 40 years, working with clients to develop highly customized travel programs. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies and significant cost savings. Direct Travel has offices in over 70 locations across North America and the UK and is currently ranked 12th on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com.
Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer
If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel.
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