Leads the design, development, and management of impactful and cost-effective global benefit programs that align with the overall business strategy. Provides direction, expertise, and support to business units on benefit program functions. Applies, interprets, and consults on benefits programs at Vanguard and carries out processes and policies as directed. Influences benefit programs based on deep understanding of external practices.

The Benefits Consultant will be a key member of a small Europe Total Rewards team, focused on all aspects of benefits and wellbeing, reporting to the Head of Total Rewards, Europe.  This is an exciting opportunity that will drive enhancements to regional processes supporting broader HR in achieving its short and long term objectives.   

In this role you will:

• Develop, deliver, and maintain benefits and wellbeing policies and guidelines (Healthcare, Risk, Pension, Wellbeing, Perks) in line with the global enterprise strategy and regulatory requirements across Europe. 
• Responsible for ensuring benefits offer across all European countries are in compliance with external regulatory, legislative requirements and internal standards. This will include ownership of control environment and strong defined processes.  
• Lead the benefit annual renewal processes, working closely with European benefits brokers / consultants, internal partners (Risk, Legal, Compliance, Finance) to negotiate best rates and value for money. Will support RFP processes in vendor changes or implementation projects.  
• Evaluate market competitiveness across Europe and develop detailed plans to address gaps, or refine current benefits program offerings, based on consultation with key stakeholders. The role will be responsible for monitoring utilization and participation data for benefit programs, sentiment and broader feedback from stakeholders to inform the benefits strategy. 
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all Benefits in Europe, providing consultation to employees, wider business and HR leadership.  
• Proactive issues and risks identification including providing support and guidance to employees or leader escalations on benefit related topics. Surfaces trends, changes in employment law, regulatory matters, or compliance requirements, and other factors that impact the design and implementation of benefit programs. 
• Lead and implement the communication strategy and programs to increase benefits transparency and accessibility, aligning with HR global and regional objectives and DEI aspirations. 

What it takes 

• A subject matter expert on benefits with proven track record of designing, implementing and managing health and risk benefits in the U.K and Europe.  
• Detailed understanding of UK pensions a must. Experience with Ireland and Germany a plus.  
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. 
• Understanding of HR policies and processes. 
• Knowledge of European Benefits and running and delivering benefits initiatives, including experience of working with external providers. 
• Attentive to detail and deadlines; ability to manage multiple initiatives. 
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills. 
• Proven teamwork capabilities; strong relationship management and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Sensitivity in working with confidential information. 

Qualifications

• Five years related work experience, with at least Two years of Benefits experience.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Factors

• Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
• Hybrid work model.

About Vanguard

Vanguard is an investment company unlike any other. It was founded by Jack Bogle in the US in 1975 on a simple but ground-breaking idea: that an investment company should handle its funds solely in the interests of its clients. Jack helped bring investing to the masses with the index fund. Index funds do not pick individual shares or bonds to beat the market. They supervise the performance of the entire market. Or as Jack put it, "Don't look for the needle in the haystack. Just buy the haystack!”. We have stood for low-cost, uncomplicated investing ever since. Over the last 45 years people have come round to our way of thinking and more than 30 million investors worldwide now trust us with their money.

Inclusion Statement

Vanguard’s continued dedication to diversity and inclusion is firmly rooted in our culture. Every decision we make to best serve our clients, crew (internally employees are referred to as crew), and communities is guided by one simple statement: “Do the right thing.”

We believe that a critical aspect of doing the right thing requires building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams of individuals who are as unique as the clients they serve. We empower our crew to contribute their distinct strengths to achieving Vanguard’s core purpose through our values.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.