AVP, Benefits

We're actively seeking a talented Regional Head of Benefits to join our People Experience team in London reporting to the SVP, Global Head of Total Rewards.

As the Regional Head of Benefits, you'll move Pacific Life, and your career, forward as you take on responsibility for leading and managing the design, implementation, and governance of employee benefits programs across the UK, Canada, Bermuda, and APAC regions. This role will ensure that the benefits offerings are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business goals, while supporting talent attraction, retention, and engagement in diverse markets.

This is an exciting, newly created pivotal role in a dynamic and global People Experience team, requiring a balance of regional expertise, cross-cultural understanding, and strong collaboration with global and local stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities

Regional Strategy

• Responsible for developing and implementing the regional benefits strategy in alignment with the Company's Total Rewards philosophy, fostering employee engagement and retention.
• Working in partnership with the enterprise Rewards team to ensure alignment with the enterprise's organisational goals, industry benchmarks and local market practices.

Program Management

• Oversee the design, delivery, and ongoing management of a competitive benefits program including health, wellness, retirement, risk insurance, and other ancillary programs across the UK, Canada, Bermuda, and APAC regions, balancing global consistency with local market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with regional People Partners on the benefits program renewal process and ongoing management.
• Lead regular benchmarking and analysis of benefits practices to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of our offerings.
• Partner with external vendors and consultants to stay abreast of market trends and innovations.
• Oversee third-party benefit providers, brokers, and consultants ensuring high quality service delivery and cost-effective solutions.
• In partnership with the Procurement team lead on RFP processes, contract negotiations, service delivery and performance management as required.

Stakeholder Engagement, Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the key point of contact for regional leadership, regional People Partners, and other stakeholders providing support and guidance on all benefits-related matters.
• Partner with Internal Communications Leads and local People Experience teams to develop clear, engaging benefit communications and education initiatives that enhance employee understanding and value perception.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with relevant employment legislation, tax regulations, and statutory requirements across all jurisdictions.
• Manage all benefits-related risk and ensure governance frameworks are in place.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Manage benefits budgets, forecasting, and cost reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with the People Experience and business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in benefit practices, leveraging technology and data analytics for enhanced decision-making.
• Support the compensation and benefits alignment effort across the enterprise and take a leading role on specific benefits projects as required.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior benefits or total rewards role. Previous experience with global responsibilities preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits regulations and practices across the UK, Canada, Bermuda, and APAC.
• Experience in managing complex, multi-country benefits programs and working with diverse, international teams.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while delivering hands-on operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in benefits systems, data analysis, and vendor management.
• Experience within financial services, insurance, or multinational corporate environments is a plus.

Competencies and Behaviours

• Culturally aware and globally minded.
• Analytical and data-driven.
• Collaborative, with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Resilient, agile, and adaptable to change.
• High level of integrity and discretion with sensitive information.
• Experience leveraging compelling points to gain the support and commitment of others.

Working For Pacific Life Re

Every person in our global team is valued for the unique qualities they bring to our business and we seek to build their expertise and support their individual ambitions at every step. Of course, we take our work seriously and we know our team can operate under great pressure. We work hard and thrive on achievement, but we also know how to have fun and relax too. We regularly host a range of team building days to strengthen our team's connection with each other and reflect on their successes.

Providing employees with a healthy work-life balance is very important to our culture. We have a wide range of employee benefits and we host regular social activities and well being initiatives. We are also committed to supporting our employee's involvement in their communities, by actively fundraising, hosting charity events and overseeing volunteering opportunities.

Benefits (Only for Permanent and Fixed Term Employees)

Leave

25 days of annual leave with option to buy/sell more days

Adoption and fertility leave

Generous enhanced parental leave

Comprehensive private insurance coverage for employee and dependents

Group Life Insurance coverage of 9x basic annual salary and Group Income Protection up to 75% of basic annual salary

Optical benefits

Savings & Retirement

15% combined employee/employer contributions

Access to Employee Assistance Program

Cycle to Work and Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Time off for volunteering

Charitable matching of employee donations

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we will provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact us about your needs so that we can discuss these with you to make sure that suitable adjustments are made, where possible.