Benefits Specialist London - Commercial

Economist Group; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is seeking a detail-oriented Benefits Operations Specialist for a 12-month contract. This role focuses on enhancing global benefits operations, improving processes, and supporting the People Operations team. The ideal candidate will have experience in benefits administration and HR operations, with strong communication and organizational skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to driving progress and delivering excellent benefits to employees.

Benefits

Incentive Programme

Generous Annual Leave

Parental Leave Policies

Volunteering Days

Well-being Support

Free Access to Economist Content

Qualifications

• Proven experience in benefits administration or HR operations.
• Strong understanding of the benefit lifecycle.

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

Communication

Organisational Skills

Proactivity

Attention to Detail

Education

HR Operations Experience

Tools

HRIS Platforms

Job description

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 play a key part in helping us establish our "brilliant basics" across global benefits operations. You will set strong foundations, improve processes, and up-skill the wider People Operations team to build lasting capability.

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

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

Key Skills and Experience

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

#LI-Hybrid

What we offer

Benefits
We offer excellent benefits including an incentive programme, generous annual and parental leave policies, volunteering days and well-being support throughout the year, as well as free access to all Economist content. Country specific benefits are also offered.

Our Values
Our values are a collective set of beliefs and behaviours that strengthen The Economist Group's purpose and demonstrate where we want to be as an organisation. They reflect on our mission to pursue progress for individuals, organisations and the world.

Independence
We are not bound to any party or interest and encourage exploration and free-thinking. We champion freedom, both within our organisation and around the world.

Integrity
We are bold in our efforts to uncover the truth and stand up for what we believe in. We inspire trust through our rigour, fact-checking and transparency.

Excellence
We aspire to the highest standards in all we do. We are ambitious and inquisitive in our pursuit of continuous progress and innovation.

Inclusivity
We value diversity in thought and background and encourage healthy debate with a breadth of perspectives. We treat our colleagues and customers fairly and respectfully.

Openness
We foster a collaborative and empathetic culture conducive to the interests, wit and initiative of our colleagues. New ideas are our lifeblood.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues and potential colleagues regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, gender identity, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status or any other status.

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