Benefits Specialist

The Economist; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the media sector is seeking a Benefits Specialist for a 12-month fixed-term contract in London. This role involves managing global benefits operations, improving processes, and training the People Operations team. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in benefits administration and HR operations, along with excellent communication skills and a proactive approach.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in benefits administration or HR operations.
• Strong understanding of the benefit lifecycle.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for employee queries about benefits.
• Manage annual renewals and open enrolment logistics.
• Identify and implement process improvements.

Skills

Benefits administration

HR operations

Communication

Data analysis

Process improvement

Tools

HRIS platforms

Reporting tools

Job description

Join to apply for the Benefits Specialist role at The Economist.

Who We Are
We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.

We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Benefits Operations Specialist to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role will help establish our "brilliant basics" across global benefits operations, setting strong foundations, improving processes, and upskilling the wider People Operations team.

You will work closely with our Reward team, People Ops colleagues, and external vendors to manage the day-to-day administration of our global benefits programmes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Act as the first point of contact for employee queries about benefits, eligibility, and enrolment.
2. Escalate complex or unresolved issues to the appropriate provider or internal lead.
3. Map and document process flows for new joiner enrolments, life event changes, and benefit terminations for leavers.
4. Manage annual renewals and open enrolment logistics, with strategic input from the Reward Head.
5. Generate reports to support audits, payroll processes, and compliance checks.
6. Track benefit participation, usage trends, and exceptions.
7. Liaise with benefit vendors to manage enrolments, resolve issues, and maintain service levels.
8. Create and maintain internal documentation such as FAQs, knowledge articles, and process guides.
9. Train and upskill the People Operations team to ensure consistent and confident delivery of benefit processes.
10. Ensure all benefit policies and employee-facing materials are accurate and accessible.
11. Identify and implement process improvements to simplify and strengthen benefit delivery.
12. Work with the People Operations team to ensure benefit data on HiBob is accurate and current.
13. Maintain accurate records with external providers, including membership data, billing, and payments.

Key Skills And Experience

1. Proven experience in benefits administration or HR operations.
2. Strong understanding of the benefit lifecycle including enrolments, life events, renewals, and terminations.
3. Experience improving operational processes and documentation.
4. Confident in coaching and upskilling others with a collaborative and supportive approach.
5. Excellent communication skills and a strong service mindset.
6. Comfortable working with data, reporting tools, and HRIS platforms (experience with HiBob is a plus).
7. Able to work across global teams and understand local differences.
8. Organised with strong attention to detail.
9. Proactive and comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Additionally, the description contains some repetitive and irrelevant content, such as multiple 'Who We Are' sections and extensive job listings at the end, which could be removed or summarized for clarity.