Global Benefits Manager

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

Watlow is seeking a Global Benefits Manager to lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of our employee benefits programs-both in the U.S. and internationally.

This role is responsible for ensuring our benefits offerings are competitive, compliant, and aligned with the needs of our global workforce. From managing self-funded health plans in the U.S. to overseeing regional implementations and launching a global wellness strategy, you will play a key role in shaping the employee experience across all Watlow locations. This role reports to the Sr. Director, Global Total Rewards and HCM.

This role requires you to be based out of our global headquarters in St. Louis, MO.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead Global Benefits Strategy: Design and execute innovative global benefits strategies that align with Watlow's business goals and support talent attraction and retention worldwide.
• Ensure Competitive Offerings: Conduct market benchmarking and trend analysis to recommend enhancements or new benefit programs that are competitive and relevant in each local market.
• Oversee Administration Across Regions: Manage the day-to-day administration of health, retirement, wellness, and leave programs across multiple countries, with hands-on responsibility for U.S. self-funded plans.
• Collaborate with HR and Vendors: Partner closely with regional Total Rewards and HR teams as well as external vendors to ensure smooth implementation, renewal, and ongoing delivery of benefits services.
• Maintain Compliance Globally: Ensure all benefit programs comply with local laws and regulatory requirements; stay up to date with legislative changes and adapt programs as needed.
• Drive Cost Management and Reporting: Monitor plan utilization and costs, support budgeting and forecasting efforts, and provide insightful reporting and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Communicate and Educate Effectively: Develop and deliver clear, engaging communication materials and training to promote awareness and understanding of benefit offerings among employees and HR partners.
• Launch a Global Wellness Program: Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive wellness strategy that supports the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our global workforce.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field (Master's degree preferred)
• 7+ years of experience in benefits management, including at least 3 years in a global or regional role
• Strong expertise in U.S. self-insured benefits plans, including plan design, administration, and cost optimization
• Proven experience managing benefits compliance processes and leading audits (e.g., 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Dayforce HCM strongly preferred
• Knowledge of international benefits practices and regulatory environment
• Experience partnering with external vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators (TPAs)
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) designation strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to analyze benefits data and make data-driven recommendations to leadership
• Excellent communication and project management skills with the ability to influence across functions and geographies

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.