Benefits Specialist

We are a leading independent global asset manager, dedicated to delivering the best outcomes for our clients through a highly diversified range of actively-managed products. We are truly global, supporting our individual and institutional investors across a range of products, encompassing equities, fixed income, multi-asset and alternatives. Our high-energy and collaborative culture at Janus Henderson helps our client achieve their goals and ensures that our people love the place they work.

Our culture is the foundation for how we interact with clients and one another as part of our unique, people-focused work environment. We support a flexible hybrid working model that allows teams to build a strong and positive culture by inspiring innovation and increasing collaboration. Currently our hybrid working model allows employees to work 2 or more days in office and the remaining time remotely.

Employees and Managers will discuss and determine what schedule works best for them and the team, with additional flexibility available based on the role, business needs, and individual circumstances.

The department

The Human Resources department at Janus Henderson Investors is high profile and prides itself on the relationships and influence it has developed across all levels of the firm. The team is set up to provide proactive advice, thus supporting a range of specialist functions in both their day to day and more strategic business needs. The department is formed of smaller specialist teams that work together to provide the best level of expertise in all areas, including Generalist, Recruitment, Learning and Development, Reward and Pensions.

Overview of the role

You will be responsible for administration of company’s domestic and international (EMEA and Asia Pacific regions) employee benefits programs which may include group insurance, healthcare plans, retirement plans and employee services. In this role you will provide comprehensive analytical support for benefit programs and make recommendations to offer cost effective and competitive employee benefits. You will participate in planning, development and design of employee benefit program. You will also advise employees on eligibility provisions and other matters related to benefits. It will be necessary to work with Brokers and vendors directly to try to negotiate the best outcomes for benefits during the annual benefit renewal cycle and for wellbeing events. Assisting employees with routine and complex issues, you may be required to identify creative solutions. You will ensure compliance with all applicable country, state and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to employee benefits and make recommendations on the company’s wellbeing strategy and participates in the management, planning and implementation of that strategy.

Duties and responsibilities

You will:

- Act as primary liaison between internal and external resources (such as vendors, HR Ops, payroll, HR Business Partners and employees) to expedite issue resolution and ensure accuracy of information exchange.
- Regularly contribute content for inclusion in company-wide communications and employee engagement efforts. Manage benefits and wellbeing content made available to our employees on Janus Henderson’s Intranet.
- Manage vendors, consultants and carriers to ensure accurate, compliant and timely service levels to the firm and all of our employees.
- Stay abreast of market trends, best practices, and current benefit plan use and performance and recommend plan design changes accordingly.
- Participate in planning, development, design and implementation of benefit plans and wellbeing initiatives.
- Be responsible for design and administration of employee services programs such as holiday purchase, transportation, meal and other allowances.
- Research regulatory requirements and implement necessary changes to ensure compliance with local and regional requirements as they pertain to employee benefits.
- Ensure accuracy of all benefit plan documents and employee communication materials such as enrollment materials, plan documents and contracts.
- Coordinate as needed with communication and creative roles, diversity and inclusion, and the events team to ensure effective and timely communications with employees.
- Be responsible for coordinating audits, plan testing and any required filings.
- Reconcile and submit invoices for payment.
- Carry out additional duties as assigned.

Technical skills and qualifications
- Ability to manage multiple projects, assignments in a demanding environment.
- Strong organizational skills required with ability to meet critical deadlines.
- Must be detail oriented and demonstrate a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to understand other HR/Payroll functions and how they relate to the benefit function.
- Ability to communicate with employees, management, payroll, vendors, in person, on the phone, and by written communications in a clear straight-forward, and p