Employee Benefits and Pensions Manager - Europe

Why RLB?

Department Overview

Overview of Role

• Manage the day-to-day delivery and administration of employee benefits and pension arrangements across the UK and Europe.
• Act as the main point of contact for benefit and pension providers, advisers, Payroll, the wider People team and employees.
• Coordinate annual renewals, enrolment windows, benefit changes and the implementation of new or revised arrangements.
• Maintain accurate records, reporting and governance documentation, escalating risks or issues where appropriate.
• Provide clear employee communications and practical support that improve understanding and use of available benefits.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration and Delivery

• Manage the administration of employee benefits across the UK and Europe, including joiners, changes and leavers.
• Ensure benefit records and provider data are accurate, complete and handled securely.
• Work closely with Payroll to support accurate deductions, contributions and benefit reporting.
• Respond to employee and manager queries, resolving issues promptly and escalating complex matters where required.
• Maintain process guides, benefit schedules and country-by-country records.

Pensions

• Act as the day-to-day contact for pension providers, advisers and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate pension administration processes, including enrolment, opt-outs, contribution changes and leaver notifications.
• Support the monitoring of pension contributions and the resolution of data or payment discrepancies with Payroll and providers.
• Maintain pension governance records and support scheduled compliance and audit activities.
• Prepare clear pension communications and support employee awareness sessions.

Provider and Renewal Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with brokers, insurers, pension advisers and benefit providers.
• Monitor service levels, follow up outstanding actions and resolve operational issues.
• Coordinate annual renewals by gathering data, checking membership information, reviewing documentation and implementing agreed outcomes.
• Support tender exercises, provider changes and the practical implementation of new arrangements.
• Maintain contracts, renewal calendars and key provider documentation.

European Benefits Coordination

• Maintain an accurate overview of benefit and pension arrangements across European locations.
• Coordinate with local providers and advisers to support country-specific administration and compliance requirements.
• Help implement agreed benefit changes and harmonisation activity across Europe.
• Ensure local documentation and employee communications are current, clear and accessible.
• Support the practical delivery of family-friendly, wellbeing and insured benefit arrangements.

Employee Communications and Support

• Create clear and engaging communications about employee benefits and pensions.
• Maintain benefits information on internal platforms and HR systems.
• Coordinate benefit enrolment communications, awareness campaigns, webinars and guidance sessions.
• Help employees understand available benefits and how to access them.

Data, Reporting and Compliance

• Produce regular reports on membership, costs, utilisation, service issues and renewal activity.
• Carry out data checks and reconciliations, working with Payroll, Finance and providers to resolve discrepancies.
• Support internal and external audits and maintain appropriate records and evidence.
• Ensure processes follow internal controls, data protection requirements and relevant local rules, seeking specialist advice where needed.

Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Deliver agreed benefits and pension projects from planning through to implementation.
• Support system improvements, data cleansing and process automation.
• Identify practical opportunities to simplify processes and improve the employee experience.
• Support acquisitions, restructures and organisational changes from a benefits and pensions delivery perspective.
• Contribute to wider People & Culture projects when required.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Practical experience of administering and delivering employee benefits and workplace pension arrangements.
• Good working knowledge of UK benefits and pensions administration, with experience of European benefits highly desirable.
• Experience working directly with brokers, insurers, pension providers and other third-party suppliers.
• Experience coordinating annual renewals, enrolment activity and benefit changes.
• Strong organisational and project delivery skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines.
• High attention to detail, particularly when handling employee data, provider records and payroll inputs.
• Confident communicating with employees and stakeholders and able to explain benefit and pension information clearly.
• Comfortable using HR systems, benefits platforms, Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Proactive, practical and willing to take ownership of actions through to completion.
• A relevant benefits, pensions, payroll or HR qualification is desirable but not essential.
  
  

Job Benefits

• Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
• Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
• Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
• Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
• Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
• Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
• Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
• Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.

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