Manager, U.S. Benefits

Galderma • Boston, MA

11d • $125,000 - $155,000

About The Position

The Manager, U.S. Benefits manages and executes Galderma’s U.S. benefits and recognition programs, including health and welfare, leave and disability, retirement, wellness, voluntary benefits, and recognition programs. The role leads open enrollment, vendor management, compliance coordination, retirement plan administration, employee communications, education and training, and continuous improvement, partnering with HR Operations and other stakeholders to support effective program delivery.

The Manager serves as a U.S. benefits subject matter resource and provides recommendations to the Director, U.S. Total Rewards regarding program enhancements, risks, and opportunities. The position operates within the established Total Rewards strategy and provides oversight and escalation support for leave and disability programs; day-to-day leave administration is managed through HR Operations.

The role includes governance and administration of U.S. retirement plans, including the 401(k) Plan and a legacy non-qualified deferred compensation plan closed to new participants. It also manages vendor relationships, financial oversight, benefits communications and employee education, and U.S. execution of the global recognition program. The work involves standard office activities, extended computer use, virtual and in-person meetings, and cross-team collaboration. Occasional travel may be required depending on business needs.

Requirements

• Six to ten years of progressive experience in U.S. benefits, including demonstrated ownership of complex health and welfare, retirement, and other employee benefit programs in a corporate environment.
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert, leading benefits program governance, managing vendor relationships, and supporting compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of applicable regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA.
• Demonstrated experience supporting retirement plan committees and fiduciary governance.
• Ability to translate complex benefits and retirement topics into clear, employee-friendly communications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience managing relationships with benefit vendors, brokers, and service providers.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Eligibility to work in the United States; the role does not offer work authorization sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field preferred.
• Experience managing recognition or engagement programs preferred.
• Workday experience preferred.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar benefits designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute U.S. health and welfare, leave and disability, wellness, voluntary, and other benefit programs in alignment with the established Total Rewards strategy.
• Provide program-level oversight of U.S. leave and disability programs, including policies, vendor performance, compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement; provide escalation support while day-to-day leave administration remains with HR Operations.
• Develop and maintain benefits policies, governance processes, operational standards, and documentation.
• Coordinate compliance activities related to ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, FMLA, state leave requirements, required notices, plan documents, and other applicable regulations.
• Partner with brokers, vendors, legal counsel, Payroll, HRIS, Finance, and internal stakeholders to monitor regulatory changes and implement compliance actions.
• Coordinate benefit plan audits, data reviews, and compliance activities; escalate material findings, risks, or gaps to the Director, U.S. Total Rewards.
• Provide guidance on complex benefits matters and serve as a Tier 2 escalation point for significant policy exceptions or high-risk matters.
• Partner with the Director, U.S. Total Rewards on benefits strategy, program enhancements, annual planning, cost management, and the long-term benefits roadmap.
• Manage day-to-day administration and coordination of the 401(k) Plan and legacy non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
• Support retirement plan governance, including committee materials, meeting coordination, documentation, and action tracking.
• Coordinate retirement plan compliance activities, including nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, plan audits, and required regulatory reporting.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for retirement plan recordkeepers, investment providers, auditors, legal counsel, and consultants; escalate significant issues or decisions as appropriate.
• Prepare retirement plan reporting, analysis, and recommendations for review by the Director and retirement plan committee.
• Develop and coordinate employee retirement education and communications, and coordinate administration of the legacy non-qualified deferred compensation plan with Payroll, Finance, and the plan recordkeeper.
• Monitor retirement plan administration, compliance, vendor performance, and emerging risks, and recommend improvements.
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, consultants, carriers, retirement providers, recognition vendors, and other external partners; establish service expectations and monitor vendor performance and contractual commitments.
• Coordinate annual vendor reviews, renewals, implementations, and required vendor activities.
• Monitor benefit expenses, invoices, funding, and budget activity with Finance and HR Operations; prepare analysis and recommendations for vendor, cost, and program decisions.
• Identify operational risks, compliance gaps, and opportunities to improve benefits programs, processes, vendor performance, and employee experience.
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, including project plans, timelines, vendor coordination, testing, materials, communications, and employee education.
• Develop and coordinate communications about benefit changes, annual enrollment, regulatory requirements, and key employee programs; translate complex information into clear, accurate, employee-friendly resources.
• Partner with HR, Communications, and global Total Rewards teams to ensure consistent messaging and employee experience.
• Serve as the U.S. point of contact and business partner for the global recognition program, supporting local execution and employee engagement.
• Partner with the Global Total Rewards team to align U.S. recognition implementation with global strategy, policies, and processes.
• Coordinate U.S. recognition communications, education, and awareness initiatives; monitor participation, utilization trends, and employee feedback and provide insights to the Global Total Rewards team.
• Coordinate recognition vendor and employee or leader issues, escalate material program, budget, or governance concerns, and recommend program improvements.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Paid time off
• Annual short-term incentive program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements
• Competitive compensation
• Opportunities for growth and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager