Global Benefits Director

Job description

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