Head of Benefits – Global Reward Team

Company Description

WHO ARE WE?

SGS stands as the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company. For over 140 years, we have been recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 100,000 employees and 2500 laboratories around the world, operating in virtually every country, we provide services that touch every aspect of daily life, from the food we eat to the products we use and the environments we live in. Embark on a journey with SGS, a symbol of excellence and trust, and apply now to discover your potential with us.

Job Description

The Head of Benefits will lead the governance, and support the affiliates in the design and delivery, of insured employee benefits across all geographies, with a strategic focus on implementing and managing a captive insurance model. This role will drive global benefits harmonization, optimize cost efficiency, ensure compliance with local regulations, and enhance employee value propositions while partnering with HR, Finance, Risk, and external providers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the global benefits strategy, aligning programs with business objectives and the organization’s total rewards philosophy.
• Serve as the primary architect and project sponsor for the transition to a captive insurance model for insured employee benefits (e.g., life, disability, medical, accident).
• Develop governance frameworks and operational models for captive-based benefits funding, risk pooling, and reinsurance arrangements.

Captive Model Implementation & Management:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Finance, Risk, Legal, Tax) and external partners (brokers, consultants, reinsurers) to design and implement the captive structure.
• Manage the integration of local insured benefits into the captive program, ensuring smooth transition from conventional insured arrangements.
• Monitor captive performance, claims experience, and capital adequacy, providing strategic recommendations for optimization.

Benefits Governance & Compliance:

• Ensure all benefit programs comply with local legislation, labor agreements, and global governance standards.
• Establish and maintain global benefits policies, standard operating procedures, and audit controls.
• Monitor and respond to legislative and market changes impacting benefit programs.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Negotiate and manage global and regional provider contracts, including insurers, TPAs, brokers, and consultants.
• Lead relationships with captive managers, actuaries, and reinsurance partners.
• Partner with country HR teams to deliver locally relevant benefits while maintaining global consistency.

Financial & Risk Management:

• Oversee benefits cost forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Analyze claims trends and implement proactive risk management measures.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising employee well-being.

Employee Experience & Communication

• Champion a strong employee value proposition through competitive and sustainable benefits.
• Develop global communication strategies to ensure employees understand and value their benefits.
• Partner with HR operations to ensure seamless enrollment, claims, and service delivery.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field
• Professional Credentials: captive insurance or actuarial certification a plus.
• Experience:
  • 7+ years in global employee benefits roles, preferably in large multinational organizations.
  • Proven track record in implementing and managing captive insurance programs for employee benefits.
  • Deep understanding of life, disability, health, and accident insurance markets.
  • Strong knowledge of global benefits governance, compliance, and funding mechanisms.
• Skills:
  • Strategic thinking with hands-on execution ability.
  • Strong analytical, financial modeling, and risk management skills.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and vendor negotiation capabilities.
  • Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions.

Additional Information