Associate Director Compensation & Benefits

PharmaEssentia U.S.A.•Burlington, MA

2d•$160,000 - $208,000

About The Position

The Associate Director, Compensation & Benefits will lead the day-to-day administration and ongoing enhancement of PharmaEssentia’s benefits programs and serve as the primary internal owner for benefits operations. Responsibilities include employee support, open enrollment, leave administration, vendor management, renewals, compliance coordination, and program communications. The position will also administer key elements of the company’s compensation framework and annual compensation cycle in partnership with the Senior Director, Human Resources, Finance, and Payroll. The Associate Director will provide targeted HR generalist and employee relations support as needed, with complex or sensitive matters handled in partnership with the Senior Director, Human Resources. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressive HR experience. Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred. The expected base salary range is $160,000 to $208,000, and eligible candidates may receive short-term and long-term incentives in addition to a competitive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 7 years of progressive HR experience, with substantial hands-on responsibility for benefits administration and experience supporting compensation programs and broader HR matters.
Experience supporting compensation frameworks and annual compensation cycles, including market benchmarking, job leveling, salary band administration, and compensation recommendations.
Demonstrated experience leading benefits administration, open enrollment, plan renewals, employee communications, and broker or vendor relationships.
Experience administering employee leave programs across multiple states, including coordinating applicable federal and state leave requirements.
Experience providing practical guidance to managers and supporting employee relations matters in partnership with senior HR leadership.
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to translate HR data into clear, practical recommendations.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to balance program improvements with day-to-day execution, manage competing priorities, and work effectively through change and ambiguity.
Sound judgment, discretion, and commitment to a responsive, consistent employee experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or relevant HR certification.
Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, qualifying life events, employee inquiries, and coordination with benefit providers.
Lead open enrollment planning and execution, including employee communications, education, and enrollment support.
Manage employee leave programs across the 37 states in which PharmaEssentia operates, coordinating with employees, managers, leave administrators, and Payroll to support compliance, accurate processing, and a consistent employee experience.
Partner with brokers and vendors to evaluate benefit offerings, service quality, costs, and opportunities for improvement.
Conduct benefits benchmarking and recommend plan design and program enhancements to the Senior Director, Human Resources.
Support benefits renewals, vendor selection, and contract negotiations.
Monitor benefits costs, reconcile invoices, and support benefits budgeting and reporting.
Maintain benefits policies, procedures, records, and communications.
Administer the company’s compensation framework, including job architecture, role grading, salary bands, and supporting documentation, in partnership with the Senior Director, Human Resources.
Support market benchmarking, job evaluations, and compensation recommendations for new hires, promotions, and internal moves.
Coordinate the annual compensation review process, including merit increases, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, and employee compensation statements.
Partner with Finance and Payroll on compensation planning, workforce budgets, pay equity analyses, pay transparency requirements, and implementation of approved changes.
Provide guidance to employees and managers on HR policies, processes, and routine workplace matters.
Support employee relations matters, including performance concerns, policy interpretation, fact-finding, and documentation, in partnership with the Senior Director, Human Resources.
Contribute to HR policy and process improvements that promote consistent practices and a positive employee experience.