Global Benefits Director

About InizioAt Inizio, we're a global team driven by a shared purpose: to reimagine health. Formed in 2022 through the coming together of Ashfield and Huntsworth, we unite decades of experience with cutting-edge capabilities to deliver impactful solutions across the commercialization journey - from discovery to post-launch. Our global network of over 10,000 experts operates across 50 countries, supporting clients with strategic insight, medical excellence, creative engagement, and real-world delivery. We work with the world's leading health and life sciences businesses to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful outcomes for our clients and patients.What sets Inizio apart is our people - and we believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive. Here, you're encouraged to reimagine your possibilities: to grow, to be curious and to make real change happen. It's a place where your individuality is valued, your development is supported, and your ambition is celebrated. If you're ready to push boundaries and accelerate your career, Inizio is the best place to be. The roleWe are seeking a Global Benefits Director to lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of our benefits programs, with a strong focus on the U.S. and key markets including the UK and Ireland. This role requires a thoughtful, planful, and commercially minded leader who is both strategic and hands-on — a strong project and stakeholder manager who can build and execute a cohesive benefits strategy while driving cost discipline and operational rigor. This individual will be entrepreneurial and proactive, able to operate at pace, take ownership, and drive both strategy and execution in a fast-moving environment. The role partners closely with HR, Finance, and senior leadership to ensure benefits programs are aligned with business objectives, cost targets, and talent strategy. Key Responsibilities Strategy & DesignLead the development and execution of a global benefits strategy, with primary ownership of U.S. health and welfare programsEnsure benefits programs are aligned with cost targets, market positioning, and overall Total Rewards strategyDesign and optimize benefits across the U.S., UK, and Ireland (medical, pension, and risk benefits)U.S. Benefits Leadership (Primary Focus)Own U.S. health and welfare programs, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and disabilityDrive plan design, vendor strategy, and cost management initiativesLead renewals, RFPs, and vendor management to optimize performance and cost outcomesEnsure compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements (ACA, ERISA, etc.)UK & Ireland BenefitsOversee pensions, medical (where applicable), and insured benefitsEnsure compliance with local regulatory requirements (e.g., UK pensions, auto-enrolment, Irish frameworks)Support harmonization and optimization across markets Financial Management & GovernancePartner with Finance to manage budgets, forecasts, and cost reduction initiativesDevelop and validate cost models, savings opportunities, and ROIEstablish governance, reporting, and KPIs to monitor performance and drive accountability Execution & OperationsLead implementation of plan changes, vendor transitions, and new programsEnsure accurate and timely execution in partnership with Payroll and TechnologyDrive process improvements and identify opportunities to reduce manual effort Risk Management & ControlsIdentify and manage financial, operational, and compliance risks across benefits programsEstablish strong controls across systems, vendors, and processes to ensure data integrity and accuracy Stakeholder & CommunicationPartner with senior stakeholders (HR, Finance, and Business Leaders) to align strategy and decisionsLead communication strategies to improve employee understanding and engagementNavigate complex and sensitive decisions with clarity and influence Team Leadership & Operating ModelLead and develop a lean team supporting U.S., UK, and Ireland benefitsDefine a clear operating model, ensuring work is performed at the appropriate level across the team and shared servicesPartner with People Services to ensure effective employee support and issue resolution Experience & Qualifications15 years of experience in benefits / total rewards, with deep U.S. health and welfare expertiseExperience within a large professional services organizationWorking knowledge of UK and Ireland benefits (pensions, medical, regulatory requirements) with the willingness to deepen expertiseProven experience managing complex, global programs and vendor relationshipsStrong financial acumen (cost modeling, budgeting, forecasting)Experience in a fast-paced, high-change environment (private equity experience preferred) EducationBachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field requiredMaster's degree preferred Certifications preferred:CEBSSHRM-CP / SHRM-SCPOther relevant benefits or compensation certifications Leadership ProfileThoughtful and planful — able to build structured, forward-looking strategiesEntrepreneurial and proactive — takes initiative and drives progressStrong project and stakeholder manager — drives alignment and execution across functionsHands-on and execution-focused — comfortable operating as a working managerCommercially minded — understands cost, risk, and business impactCollaborative and influential — builds trust and credibility with stakeholdersStrong communicator — able to distill complexity into clear, executive-ready insightsDetail-oriented with a strong control mindset What Success Looks Like Delivers benefits programs that support talent attraction, retention, and overall employee experienceAchieves measurable cost optimization aligned to business targetsEstablishes a clear, disciplined benefits strategy aligned to business goalsBuilds strong cross-functional partnershipsEnsures consistent, high-quality execution across markets Our PledgeAt Inizio, we value inclusivity, recognize the power of diversity and inspire the next generation of change-makers. We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion. We aim to recruit from a diverse slate of candidates and foster an environment that provides the right conditions for long-term success. We welcome all applications regardless of race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, military veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation and physical or mental disability.    The base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. This range may differ based on your experience and skill set, geographic location, and cost of living considerations. We consider compensation more than just a base salary – that’s why we also offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits, personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.Compensation: $170,000 USD - $210,000 USD Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! Our company is dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others.