Global Benefits Director

About Inizio

At 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 role

We 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 Design

Lead the development and execution of a global benefits strategy, with primary ownership of U.S. health and welfare programs

Ensure benefits programs are aligned with cost targets, market positioning, and overall Total Rewards strategy

Design 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 disability

Drive plan design, vendor strategy, and cost management initiatives

Lead renewals, RFPs, and vendor management to optimize performance and cost outcomes

Ensure compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements (ACA, ERISA, etc.)

UK Ireland Benefits

Oversee pensions, medical (where applicable), and insured benefits

Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements (e.g., UK pensions, auto-enrolment, Irish frameworks)

Support harmonization and optimization across markets

Financial Management Governance

Partner with Finance to manage budgets, forecasts, and cost reduction initiatives

Develop and validate cost models, savings opportunities, and ROI

Establish governance, reporting, and KPIs to monitor performance and drive accountability

Execution Operations

Lead implementation of plan changes, vendor transitions, and new programs

Ensure accurate and timely execution in partnership with Payroll and Technology

Drive process improvements and identify opportunities to reduce manual effort

Risk Management Controls

Identify and manage financial, operational, and compliance risks across benefits programs

Establish strong controls across systems, vendors, and processes to ensure data integrity and accuracy

Stakeholder Communication

Partner with senior stakeholders (HR, Finance, and Business Leaders) to align strategy and decisions

Lead communication strategies to improve employee understanding and engagement

Navigate complex and sensitive decisions with clarity and influence

Team Leadership Operating Model

Lead and develop a lean team supporting U.S., UK, and Ireland benefits

Define a clear operating model, ensuring work is performed at the appropriate level across the team and shared services

Partner with People Services to ensure effective employee support and issue resolution

Experience Qualifications

15 years of experience in benefits / total rewards, with deep U.S. health and welfare expertise

Experience within a large professional services organization

Working knowledge of UK and Ireland benefits (pensions, medical, regulatory requirements) with the willingness to deepen expertise

Proven experience managing complex, global programs and vendor relationships

Strong financial acumen (cost modeling, budgeting, forecasting)

Experience in a fast-paced, high-change environment (private equity experience preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field required

Master's degree preferred

Certifications preferred:

CEBS

SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP

Other relevant benefits or compensation certif…