Global Benefits Director

Watts Water Technologies•North Andover, MA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Global Benefits is a hands‑on leader responsible for the design, administration, and continuous improvement of global benefits and retirement programs. This role sits on the Total Rewards team and reports to the Vice President of Total Rewards. The Director serves as the global subject matter expert for benefits, partnering closely with regional HR and Total Rewards teams to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and cost‑effective. This role has direct operational responsibility for U.S. benefits and retirement programs and provides oversight, guidance, and governance for benefit programs across Europe and AMPEA. The Director manages a small team of benefits professionals and supports team development over time. This position is based at Watts’ North Andover, MA headquarters and follows a hybrid schedule (three days onsite, two days remote). This role has two direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or similar or equivalent experience
10+ years of progressive benefits experience, with a minimum of 5+ years managing a global benefits team
5+ years of progressive experience in total rewards, covering compensation and HR operations
Strong hands‑on experience with U.S. health and retirement programs
Working knowledge of benefits‑related regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, CAA, and related requirements
Experience supporting benefits programs in both union and non‑union environments
Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior leaders
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
Demonstrated success managing vendors and controlling benefit costs
Ability to operate effectively in a complex, matrixed organization and manage competing priorities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

global benefits exposure strongly preferred
experience with Workday General

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of global benefits and retirement programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements
Maintain global benefits governance frameworks to promote consistency, equity, and risk management across regions
Provide hands‑on oversight of U.S. benefits and retirement administration, including plan operations, vendor management, and issue resolution
Ensure benefits programs are clearly communicated and understood, supporting strong employee engagement and effective program utilization
Partner with regional HR teams to provide guidance and support for non‑U.S. benefits programs while enabling local execution
Serve as the primary advisor on benefits and retirement matters for HR, Finance, Legal, and leadership
Manage vendor and broker relationships, including renewals, performance reviews, and cost management
Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, including coordination, communications, and system readiness
Ensure timely completion of all compliance requirements, filings, disclosures, and audits
Develop and maintain reporting on benefits spend, participation, utilization, and trends
Monitor regulatory changes and market practices to inform program updates and risk mitigation
Support benefits and retirement activities related to mergers and acquisitions
Act as the escalation point for complex benefits issues and employee concerns
Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing benefits team while delegating operational tasks appropriately