Benefits Specialist

We're looking for a passionate Benefits Specialist to join the Global Benefits team to provide strategic support (benchmarking and networking, benefits frameworks, vendor management, employee communications & engagement) to the Benefits Strategy in the annual management of all aspects of the employee benefits portfolio.

The Benefits Lead works autonomously and will undertake project work relating to key benefit changes or business initiatives that support the ongoing efforts to continually improve our benefits provisions. The Benefits Lead will monitor changes in legislation related to the UK employee benefits portfolio, determine the impact to the benefits portfolio, recommend and implement changes as needed.,

• Manage the annual flexible benefits enrolment for approximately 9000 employees, which includes developing the communication and engagement plan, managing contractual relationships, working closely with other internal stakeholders, updating the flexible benefit platform, and conducting any associated testing.


• Management and maintenance of competitive benefits frameworks and to ensure relevancy and value add to the business.


• Manage the delivery channels for the range of benefits frameworks e.g., through the Shared Services Centre or contract managing 3rd party providers.


• Conduct external benchmarking and networking to maximise awareness / knowledge of market practice in all areas of benefits and to ensure that the organisation is abreast of future key changes and trends.


• Support the Benefits Strategy in the interpretation of UK legislation / HMRC tax rules regulating benefits to ensure all policies and processes are legally compliant.


• Collaborate with and advise the business in maintaining the appropriate levels of governance in benefits processes.


• Engage key stakeholders to ensure that benefits frameworks are running effectively and efficiently.


• Develop and maintain effective communication channels for the reward programmes ensuring they are fully understood and appreciated.


• Implement one-off reward projects and activities as agreed with the US/UK Benefits Manager.


• Support the Benefits Strategy in participating in networking forums to further enhance our market knowledge.


• Recommend opportunities for continuous improvement in business as usual and project activities.
  
  CIPD qualified or equivalent experience.


• Proven experience of benefits within a large commercial organisation involving practical and detailed application of the existing benefits policies and processes.


• Knowledge of the benefits marketplace in the UK including the latest developments in flexible benefits design and application.


• Experience managing flexible benefits systems/platforms with a large choice of benefit selections.


• Project management/implementation experience working with multiple internal & external stakeholders.


• Experience of dealing with 3rd party suppliers and contracts.


• Knowledge of statutory requirements for paid/unpaid time off policies.


• Strong numerical and analytical skills.


• Experience working in a complex, challenging, and sensitive environment.


• Experience with communicating across stakeholder group including Trade Unions.


• History of continuous improvement required.
  
  Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business, At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
  
  Up to £66,000 dependent on experience.


Plus:


• Discretionary Annual Bonus (based on personal and company performance).


• 28 days annual leave, plus eight statutory days in addition.


• The option to buy additional or sell holiday days every year.


• A generous contributory pension scheme - we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.


• Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions.


• Life Insurance 10 x base salary.


• Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).


• Access to apps which support health, fitness, and wellbeing.