Benefits Specialist Fixed Term Contract (12 months)

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The UK Benefits Specialist plays a vital role in the coordination and administration of employee benefits across the UK. This position ensures that all benefit programmes are well-managed, compliant with relevant regulations, and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. The role is responsible for the day-to-day operations of benefit offerings, serving as a key point of contact for employee queries and coordinating with external vendors. Additionally, the role includes oversight of the company car schemes, ensuring adherence to policy and managing supplier and employee interactions from an operational and administrative perspective.

Key Objectives and Expectations:

• Coordinate and administer UK employee benefit programmes, including (but not limited to) company car schemes, health, dental, life insurance, income protection, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to employees on benefit-related queries, ensuring a positive employee experience.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including HRBPs, Payroll, Finance, Reward and Global Benefits teams to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Maintain and update the LiveWell platform (Darwin) to reflect current benefit offerings and changes.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely processing of benefit enrolments, changes, and terminations.
• Support the implementation of new benefit programmes and system updates.
• Monitor benefit utilisation and provide data-driven insights to inform programme improvements.
• Ensure compliance with UK legislation, including HMRC and national insurance requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with external vendors, ensuring service levels are met and issues are resolved promptly.
• Assist in the development of employee-facing materials and resources to improve understanding and engagement with benefits.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Oversee purchase order management and ensure alignment between vendor invoicing and benefit uptake to facilitate timely payments.

Accountabilities:

• Manage car benefit schemes in collaboration with fleet management companies:
• Handle day-to-day administration of the car benefit scheme with fleet providers.
• Respond to employee queries regarding car eligibility, ordering, and policy details in a timely and professional manner.
• Support invoice processing and liaise with Finance to ensure accurate cost allocation.
• Work with the Driver Risk Team to ensure licence checks are completed and employees understand UK driving licence requirements.
• Ensure compliance with car policies across both core and management schemes.

Other accountabilities:

• Support the annual benefits review process, ensuring timely processing of enrolments, changes, and claims across all programmes and wellbeing initiatives.
• Coordinate the annual open enrolment process and benefit fairs, ensuring clear communication and employee support.
• Maintain up-to-date benefit plans, policies, and procedures, and communicate changes promptly.
• Ensure all benefits programmes comply with UK regulations, including HMRC and national insurance requirements.
• Provide responsive customer service, resolving employee benefits-related queries and issues.
• Liaise with vendors to resolve issues and ensure service levels and compliance are maintained.
• Assist with the implementation of new benefit programmes and system updates with minimal disruption.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure accuracy of benefits data and payroll deductions, resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Maintain and update employee-facing resources, including a comprehensive benefits guide and online tools.
• Track and report on key benefits metrics such as participation, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness using a benefits dashboard.
• Use data insights to support continuous improvement of benefits administration processes.
• Administer the company car fleet in line with policy, coordinating with vendors for maintenance and support.
• Oversee scheduling and vendor coordination for employee wellbeing centres.
• Collaborate with HRBPs and ERGs to support targeted wellbeing initiatives.
• Conduct market research and employee surveys to help keep the benefits offering competitive and relevant.
• Stay informed on industry best practices and regulatory changes through webinars, conferences, and professional networks.

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

• Experience in UK employee benefits administration.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment focused on employee wellbeing.
• Experience working within a matrix organization.
• Proven ability to manage benefit processes and vendor relationships.
• Experience supporting open enrolment and benefit communication

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Working knowledge of company car schemes.
• Basic understanding of vehicle maintenance and repair processes.
• Familiarly with transportation regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address operational challenges and benefits-related issues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with vendors, assist employees, and resolve complaints.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Expertise in administering and overseeing employee benefit and wellbeing programs.
• Experience with benefit implementations and system migrations.
• Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Experience with benefits administration systems and software, particularly Success Factors and Darwin.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PPT, Word).
• Ability to analyze benefits data, identify trends, and provide insights.
• High accuracy in managing benefits data and payroll deductions.
• Effective presentation skills for communicating complex information clearly.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• University Degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CIPD qualification is desirable but not essential.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experiencehere.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.

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