Global Benefits Director

Astera Labs•San Jose, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Astera Labs is seeking a Global Benefits Director to join our People team in San Jose, California. As a hyper-growth leader in AI infrastructure connectivity—powering the world's most advanced data centers with purpose-built PCIe, CXL, and Ethernet solutions—we need a strategic benefits leader who can build and scale programs as aggressively as we're scaling our business. This is not a maintenance role. You will own the global benefits strategy end-to-end, designing programs that attract and retain the world-class engineers, technologists, and business leaders fueling our growth. From reimagining our health and wellness offerings to optimizing retirement plans and harmonizing benefits across the US, Canada, Asia, and EMEA, you'll have the autonomy and executive visibility to make a lasting impact on how our employees experience Astera Labs. The ideal candidate is a hands-on strategist who thrives in fast-moving environments, brings deep expertise in US benefits compliance, and has the global perspective to build scalable programs across multiple geographies. You'll partner closely with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, and Talent Acquisition to ensure our total rewards package is a true competitive weapon in the war for top talent.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
10+ years of progressive experience in benefits strategy and administration
Strong knowledge of US benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
Demonstrated experience managing 401(k) plans, including compliance testing, vendor oversight, and employee education
Hands-on experience administering PTO and leave programs across multiple states, with working knowledge of California leave laws
Experience managing global benefits programs or coordinating with international brokers and in-country partners
Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (Microsoft ecosystem preferred)
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights

Nice To Haves

Experience scaling benefits programs in high-growth technology or semiconductor companies
Experience coordinating international retirement, pension, and provident fund programs
CEBS, CBP, or similar professional benefits certification
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Exceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive global benefits strategy aligned with Astera Labs' hyper-growth objectives and talent acquisition goals
Evaluate and benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and competitors in the AI infrastructure and semiconductor space to ensure market competitiveness
Lead annual benefits renewal processes, including vendor negotiations and plan design recommendations
Drive innovation in benefits offerings to support employee wellbeing and position Astera Labs as an employer of choice
Oversee end-to-end coordination of benefits programs across all operating regions, including Canada, Asia, and EMEA, ensuring consistency, equity, and local compliance
Serve as the primary point of contact for international benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and in-country HR partners
Harmonize benefit plan designs across geographies while accommodating regional statutory requirements and cultural expectations
Maintain a centralized benefits governance framework to ensure transparency, auditability, and scalability across all regions
Manage the full lifecycle of the company's 401(k) plan, including plan design, vendor management, compliance testing, and annual reporting (Form 5500)
Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; manage plan audits and non-discrimination testing
Design, administer, and continuously improve PTO programs, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other leave of absence policies across all jurisdictions
Monitor utilization trends and provide data-driven recommendations to HR leadership to support employee wellbeing and workforce planning
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and country-specific requirements)
Analyze benefits utilization data, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategic decisions and optimize program ROI
Lead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless employee experience
Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits accounting and reporting
Support M&A activities and international expansion by assessing and integrating benefits programs