Group Head of Benefits 80-100%

Are you passionate about creating employee experiences that inspire and support people around the world? As Head of Benefits at Zurich, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our global benefits strategy—ensuring our people feel valued, wherever they are.

In this position, you will partner with key stakeholders to drive best-in-class benefits practices across our decentralised organisation. You’ll lead with influence and collaboration, building connections and sharing expertise that empower our Business Units to deliver meaningful, locally relevant rewards, while aligning with Zurich Group’s shared purpose and objectives.

If you’re ready to make a difference by leading strategic projects, guiding complex change, and championing innovative solutions, we’re looking forward to hearing from you.

What you will do

• Develop a global benefits philosophy that is relevant to the decentralised structure of Zurich, respecting the autonomy of Business Units to make local benefits decisions, yet ensuring there is alignment with overall Zurich Group objectives.
• Understand the strategic benefits offering in each of our business units and identify areas where there are risks and opportunities for the Group.
• Build and maintain an internal community of benefits consultants to support collaboration across businesses and locations, knowledge sharing to ensure best practice ideas can be implemented across the Zurich organisation.
• Bring value to the Zurich local benefits colleagues, by providing thought leadership and sharing emerging trends, best practices and ideas across locations.
• Maintain network of external benefits professionals, representing Zurich.
• Foster relationships with HR leaders in the Group, regions and countries and other key stakeholders, communicating the role of Group benefits in the context of Zurich's decentralised structure. Create reporting structures to inform Group HR leadership in line with the benefits philosophy.
• Keep abreast of global and regional regulatory changes, market practice and trends.
• Provide consulting and other support to Business Units as needed. This could include projects such as M&A support such as due diligence and benefits harmonisation post transaction; and benefits projects that require deep subject matter expertise.
• Provide support to the Group Head of Total Rewards in his role as member of the Group Pensions Committed, around understanding the risks and opportunities of defined contribution plans in the group.
• Together with Executive Reward colleagues, support senior executives on certain individual benefits topics.
• Work with the Global Mobility when needed on complex benefit matters related to internationally mobile employees.
  
  

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification in HR, Benefits, or a related field is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience with employee benefits in a global organisation or consulting firm.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a decentralised, matrixed organisation. Experience building consensus and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in managing and delivering complex, multi-country benefits projects, including M&A due diligence, harmonisation, and strategic change initiatives.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to establish trust, communicate effectively, and partner with HR, business leaders, and external advisors.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to assess risks and opportunities, develop strategic recommendations, and implement practical solutions that balance local needs with global objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural, geographically dispersed environment. Fluency in English required; additional languages a plus.

Additional Information

We look forward to receiving your online application. 

At our Quai Zurich Campus, our culture and our people are what set us apart. We thrive on face-to-face interactions that drive collaboration, nurture our unique culture, and amplify our success. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the flexibility to work up to two days remotely per week within Switzerland, allowing you to balance personal commitments while excelling in your career. Please discuss your flexibility needs with us during your interview.

Information for recruitment agencies

Zurich does not accept any applications from recruitment agencies for this position. We refuse any responsibility for unsolicited applications as well as any associated fees. 

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great! 
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.
 

• Location(s):  CH - Zürich 
• Remote working: Hybrid
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Mélina Carnal