Albemarle

Global Benefits Lead

Albemarle • $100K — $130K *
Houston, TX 77084Hybrid
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field.
  • 7-10+ years of progressive benefits experience with global and U.S. retirement programs.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits laws and international benefits concepts.
  • Experience with vendor management, RFPs, and benefits operations/administration.
  • Proficiency in HRIS/benefits systems and advanced Excel/analytics.
  • Self-starter comfortable in ambiguity and ownership of issues.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee U.S. health, welfare, and retirement strategies including 401(k).
  • Evaluate and recommend global health and welfare offerings.
  • Drive wellbeing, mental health, and preventive strategies for diverse employee populations.
  • Ensure full compliance with U.S. benefits regulations and manage global compliance.
  • Oversee day-to-day administration of benefit programs and lead annual enrollment.
  • Manage vendor strategy, selection, and performance management.
  • Develop multi-channel benefits communications to improve employee understanding.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • A diverse array of resources for professional and personal support.
Full Job Description
SUMMARY

About the Role
The Global Benefits and Retirement Lead oversees the design, governance, and operational excellence for the company's global benefits portfolio and U.S. health and welfare and retirement programs, including medical, life, voluntary plans, as well as the 401(k). This role partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal/Compliance, Payroll, and regional leadership to deliver competitive, cost-effective, and compliant plans that support our global workforce. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in global health & welfare, retirement (Defined Contribution), vendor management, analytics, and change management. This position reports to the Total Rewards Director and is based in Houston.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy, Design & Governance
  • Oversee the U.S. health, welfare, and retirement strategies, including 401(k).
  • Evaluate and recommend global health and welfare offerings, including statutory benefits, expatriate programs, and pooling/captive arrangements.
  • Drive wellbeing, mental health, and preventive care strategies for diverse employee populations (office and plant).
  • Support fiduciary governance and partner with investment advisors and committees.


Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure full compliance with U.S. benefits regulations (ERISA, IRC, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, DOL/IRS requirements).
  • Oversee required filings and reporting (Form 5500, SAR, 1094/1095, Medicare Part D, PCORI) and timely payment of related fees.
  • Manage global compliance with local regulations, statutory benefits, and works councils/collective agreements where applicable.
  • Maintain accurate plan documentation, SPDs, internal controls, and audit readiness.


Benefits Administration & Operations
  • Oversee day-to-day administration of benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, FSA, life, disability, EAP, leave, and workers' compensation).
  • Lead annual open enrollment and new hire onboarding to ensure accurate elections, eligibility, and carrier enrollment.
  • Ensure accurate payroll deductions, premium payments, and system integrations with HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and recordkeepers.
  • Serve as subject matter expert, resolving complex cases and escalations.


Vendor & Financial Management
  • Oversee vendor strategy, selection (RFP/RFI), contracting, SLAs, and ongoing performance management across carriers, TPAs, PBMs, recordkeepers, and consultants.
  • Own annual renewals, global budgeting and forecasting, cost containment initiatives, and funding strategies.
  • Monitor vendor compliance, service delivery, and financial performance.


Communications, Engagement & Analytics
  • Develop clear, multi-channel benefits communications to improve employee understanding and utilization.
  • Lead U.S. annual enrollment communications and partner with regional HR to localize messaging.
  • Monitor costs, utilization, trends, investment performance, participation, and outcomes; recommend data-driven improvements.
  • Conduct benchmarking, nondiscrimination testing, and scenario modeling to inform plan changes.


Leadership & Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Compensation/Rewards, HRBPs, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Communications to execute benefits initiatives and support business decisions.
  • Contribute to broader HR projects and continuous improvement efforts.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 7-10+ years of progressive benefits experience, including global benefits and U.S. retirement ownership.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits laws (ERISA, IRS, DOL, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, 409A) and international benefits concepts (statutory programs, expat plans).
  • Demonstrated experience with vendor management, RFPs, and benefits operations/administration.
  • Proficiency with HRIS/benefits systems and advanced Excel/analytics.
  • Self-starter comfortable operating in ambiguity and taking ownership of unresolved or evolving issues.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with employee benefit plans based outside the U.S.; understanding of local market practices in other regions.
  • Experience in industrial sectors with diverse, distributed, and shift/rotational workforce
  • Exposure to European Unions and Works Councils a plus.
  • Professional designations: CEBS, GBA, CBP, CCP, or SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR.
  • Experience with Workday and ADP


Benefits of Joining Ketjen
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.


Apply today and help Ketjen unleash the POTENTIAL of advanced chemistry for industries that power the world.

About Albemarle

Albemarle Careers

Join Albemarle, a leader in the specialty chemicals industry, and be part of a company that is renowned for its innovation, leadership, and commitment to sustainability. At Albemarle, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and personal development.

Work You’ll Do

At Albemarle, you will engage in work that pushes the boundaries of science and technology, driving growth and innovation in every project you touch. Our team members are at the forefront of developing solutions that power the potential of our clients across the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, Albemarle has a variety of roles to fit your skills and ambitions. We are hiring in multiple disciplines including research, operations, sales, and management.

Innovate with Us

Join a team of over 5,000 dedicated professionals who work at the intersection of chemistry, technology, and sustainability. Our collaborative culture fosters diversity and inclusion, ensuring a wide range of perspectives lead to better solutions.

Professional Growth and Development

Albemarle is committed to the professional development of its employees. With comprehensive training programs, leadership workshops, and continuous learning opportunities, we ensure that your career development is ongoing. Our leadership is deeply invested in the innovation and growth of our team members.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy competitive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. More than that, our company culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and accountability. At Albemarle, you’ll find a supportive network and a team-oriented environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Networking and Career Advancement

We encourage our employees to grow their networks within and beyond the company. Albemarle’s strong industry connections and its emphasis on networking help pave the way for significant career advancement and cross-functional opportunities.

Join Our Team

Ready to apply? Explore the current job openings on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, prepare for your interview with our recruitment specialists, and take the first step towards a rewarding career at Albemarle.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights by joining our community. Subscribe to our careers blog and receive personalized job alerts that match your professional interests and skills. At Albemarle, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer careers that make a difference. Join us in our mission to harness the power of chemistry to change the world for the better.
Learn more about Albemarle
Size
6,000 employees
Market Cap
$24.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$375.7 million
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+4.4%
Revenue
$3.1 billion
NASDAQ
ALB
* Ladders Estimates

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