Director Benefits, Pension and Risk, Europe

Sandoz Iberia; Madrid; Presencial; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

An established industry player is seeking a Benefits Director to lead the design and execution of benefits programs across Europe. This pivotal role will focus on pension strategy, risk management, and data-driven insights, ensuring compliance and competitiveness. The successful candidate will collaborate with global teams to implement innovative benefits solutions that align with the company's strategic objectives. Join a dynamic and inclusive environment where your expertise will directly impact the well-being of employees and the overall success of the organization. Embrace this opportunity to shape the future of employee benefits in a forward-thinking company.

Servicios

Flexible Work Environment

Professional Development Opportunities

Health Insurance

Pension Plan

Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

Formación

• 10+ years of experience in benefits, particularly in pensions and risk management.
• Strong knowledge of global benefits practices and industry trends.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee design and management of employee benefits programs across Europe.
• Conduct market trends analysis and ensure competitive benefits offerings.

Conocimientos

Pensions Management

Risk Management

Data Analysis

Vendor Management

Communication Skills

Project Management

Educación

University Degree

Professional Experience

Herramientas

Microsoft Office

Descripción del empleo

Sandoz continues to go through an exciting and transformative period as a global leader and pioneering provider of sustainable Biosimilar and Generic medicines. As we continue down this new and ambitious path, unique opportunities will present themselves, both professionally and personally.

As a newly independent company, we are focused on growth. We see growth as the engine powering everything we want to achieve for patients. It will allow us to innovate and pioneer greater access to high-quality medicines, but we can only do this by bringing the best and the brightest minds together.

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Director to lead the design, governance, and execution of our benefits programs in the Europe region, with a strong emphasis on pension strategy, risk management, and data-driven insights. Within their scope of responsibility, the Benefits Director will drive strategic initiatives for global benefits, including insured benefits management, pooling, and other global programs.

The Benefits Director will work closely with regional and global teams (rewards, benefits, finance, procurement, and People & Organization) to design, implement, and manage benefits programs aligned with Sandoz’s global philosophy and strategy.

This role is pivotal in shaping a benefits philosophy that supports Sandoz's talent strategy while ensuring compliance, cost-efficiency, and competitiveness.

Your responsibilities will include :

1. Oversee the design, implementation, and management of core regional employee benefits programs across Europe, ensuring compliance with local regulations and alignment with company policies.
2. Develop and communicate practices and guidelines to rewards for further engagement of all levels of the organization, including senior executives.
3. Conduct regular market trends analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitive and cost-effective benefits offerings aligned with benefits philosophy and strategy, as well as country-specific needs.
4. Partner with regional Rewards teams to support regional and country P&O and resolve complex/non-standard benefits issues (not dealing with individual employee queries).
5. Manage relationships with core/global benefit vendors and providers (specifically pensions and insured benefits via global actuary and broker where appropriate), ensuring service quality and cost-effectiveness.

Global Programs and Insured Benefits

1. Lead the administration and strategy for global insured benefits programs, including life, disability, and health insurance.
2. Oversee global pooling arrangements, manage multinational pooling networks to optimize benefit costs and enhance program value.
3. Collaborate with global brokers, local providers, Rewards Business Partners, regional P&O, and other stakeholders to align regional programs with global strategy and objectives.
4. Act as the primary contact for global benefits vendors and third-party administrators, monitoring contract compliance, service levels, and renewals.

Strategy and stakeholder engagement

1. Contribute to the development and alignment of country programs with Sandoz’s global benefits strategy, ensuring regional needs are met and supporting overall business and talent objectives.
2. Provide expertise on emerging benefits trends, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.
3. Present insights and recommendations on benefits programs to Rewards Business Partners, senior leadership, regional P&O, and other stakeholders as needed.
4. Develop and execute communication strategies to increase awareness, understanding, and engagement with benefits programs among employees and stakeholders.

Financial management and reporting

1. Oversee benefits costs and budgets for Europe, ensuring alignment with Sandoz’s financial objectives.
2. Track and analyze benefit costs and spending, identify savings opportunities, and recommend adjustments to optimize efficiency.
3. Ensure timely and accurate reporting on benefits utilization, cost trends, and program effectiveness.

Partnering

1. Foster a culture of collaboration and best practice sharing across Europe and globally where appropriate.
2. Participate in Europe Region Rewards forums, providing counsel and strategic recommendations on regional and global Rewards program design, considering regional needs.
3. Collaborate closely with regional Rewards Business Partners dedicated to Europe to ensure overall support aligns with the One Rewards function.

What you need to bring to the role :

• University degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent spoken and written English; German is a strong plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits, with deep expertise in pensions and risk benefits in Europe, especially Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including vendor management.
• Knowledge of global benefits practices and industry trends.
• Experience advising on de-risking strategies and pension governance.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills—able to convey complex issues simply.
• Ability to use data and analytics to influence decision-making at the executive level.
• Proven change agent with project and program management experience; proficient in Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience working in a global or matrixed organization.
• Exposure to M&A integration, divestitures, or harmonization of legacy benefit programs.
• Actuarial or finance background is a strong plus.

Why Sandoz?

Generic and Biosimilar medicines are the backbone of the global medicines industry. Sandoz, a leader in this sector, touched the lives of almost 500 million patients last year. While we are proud of this achievement, we aim to do more!

With investments in new development capabilities, state-of-the-art production sites, acquisitions, and partnerships, we have the opportunity to shape Sandoz’s future and help more patients access affordable, high-quality medicines sustainably.

Our momentum and entrepreneurial spirit are powered by an open, collaborative culture driven by talented and ambitious colleagues, offering an agile, flexible, hybrid career environment where diversity is welcomed and personal growth is encouraged!

The future is (y)ours to shape!

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion :

Sandoz is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities we serve.

Pioneering access for patients

Join our Sandoz Network: If this role isn’t suitable for your experience or goals but you wish to stay connected and learn about opportunities, join the Network here: Sandoz Talentpool (novartis.com).

Location: Director Europe • Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain