Manager, U.S. Benefits

Galderma • Boston, MA

12d • $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. 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.

Responsibilities are divided among benefits program ownership and governance (40%), retirement plan governance and fiduciary administration (25%), vendor management, financial oversight and continuous improvement (20%), benefits communications and employee education (10%), and recognition program partnership and administration (5%). The role requires standard office activities, including extended computer use and participation in virtual and in-person meetings. Occasional travel may be required depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

The target base salary is $125,000–$155,000 per year. The role is also eligible to participate in an annual short-term incentive program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements. Galderma offers a competitive benefits program, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid time off, and other benefits, subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms. The role does not offer work authorization sponsorship; external applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field is preferred.
• 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 benefit 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.
• Proven 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.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not offered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute U.S. benefit programs, including health and welfare, leave and disability, wellness, voluntary, and other benefit programs.
• Serve as a U.S. benefits subject matter resource and ensure programs are effectively administered, compliant, operationally effective, and aligned with the established Total Rewards strategy.
• Provide program-level oversight of U.S. leave and disability programs, including policy, vendor performance, compliance requirements, reporting, and continuous improvement; provide escalation support while day-to-day leave administration is managed through HR Operations.
• Develop and maintain benefit 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, assess impacts, 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 benefit 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 long-term benefits roadmap initiatives.
• Manage day-to-day administration and coordination of U.S. retirement programs, including the 401(k) Plan and the legacy non-qualified deferred compensation Plan, which is closed to new participants.
• Support retirement plan governance by preparing committee materials, coordinating meetings, maintaining documentation, and tracking actions.
• Coordinate annual retirement plan compliance activities, including nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, plan audits, and required regulatory reporting.
• Serve as the 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.
• 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 day-to-day relationships with benefits brokers, consultants, carriers, retirement providers, recognition vendors, and other external partners.
• Establish vendor service expectations, monitor performance, and drive accountability for service delivery and contractual commitments.
• Coordinate annual vendor reviews, renewals, implementations, and required vendor activities.
• Monitor benefit expenses, invoices, funding, and budget activity in partnership with Finance and HR Operations.
• Identify operational risks, compliance gaps, and opportunities to improve benefit programs, processes, vendor performance, and employee experience.
• Prepare analysis and recommendations to support vendor, cost, and program decisions.
• Partner with the Director, U.S. Total Rewards on strategic initiatives, program enhancements, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, including project planning, 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 benefit information into clear, accurate, employee-friendly communications and resources.
• Partner with HR, Communications, and global Total Rewards teams to support 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 efforts.
• Partner with Global Total Rewards to align U.S. recognition program implementation with global strategy, policies, and processes.
• Coordinate U.S. recognition program communications, education, and awareness initiatives.
• Monitor recognition program participation, utilization trends, and employee feedback, and provide insights and recommendations to Global Total Rewards.
• Coordinate vendor and employee or leader issues and escalate material program, budget, or governance concerns.
• Support continuous improvement of the U.S. recognition program through reporting, stakeholder feedback, and recommendations.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Paid time off
• Other benefits, subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms
• Annual short-term incentive program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements
• Meaningful opportunities for growth, development, and collaboration

What This Job Offers

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