Global Benefits Director

Director, Global Benefits

Together, we're reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

Scope of Position

The Director, Global Benefits is a hands-on leader responsible for the design, administration, and continuous improvement of global benefits and retirement programs. This role sits on the Total Rewards team and reports to the Vice President of Total Rewards. The Director serves as the global subject matter expert for benefits, partnering closely with regional HR and Total Rewards teams to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and cost-effective.

This role has direct operational responsibility for U.S. benefits and retirement programs and provides oversight, guidance, and governance for benefit programs across Europe and AMPEA. The Director manages a small team of benefits professionals and supports team development over time.

This position is based at Watts' North Andover, MA headquarters and follows a hybrid schedule (three days onsite, two days remote). This role has two direct reports.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of global benefits and retirement programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements
• Maintain global benefits governance frameworks to promote consistency, equity, and risk management across regions
• Provide hands-on oversight of U.S. benefits and retirement administration, including plan operations, vendor management, and issue resolution
• Ensure benefits programs are clearly communicated and understood, supporting strong employee engagement and effective program utilization
• Partner with regional HR teams to provide guidance and support for non-U.S. benefits programs while enabling local execution
• Serve as the primary advisor on benefits and retirement matters for HR, Finance, Legal, and leadership
• Manage vendor and broker relationships, including renewals, performance reviews, and cost management
• Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, including coordination, communications, and system readiness
• Ensure timely completion of all compliance requirements, filings, disclosures, and audits
• Develop and maintain reporting on benefits spend, participation, utilization, and trends
• Monitor regulatory changes and market practices to inform program updates and risk mitigation
• Support benefits and retirement activities related to mergers and acquisitions
• Act as the escalation point for complex benefits issues and employee concerns
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing benefits team while delegating operational tasks appropriately

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources or similar or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of progressive benefits experience, with a minimum of 5+ years managing a global benefits team
• 5+ years of progressive experience in total rewards, covering compensation and HR operations
• Strong hands-on experience with U.S. health and retirement programs; global benefits exposure strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of benefits-related regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, CAA, and related requirements
• Experience supporting benefits programs in both union and non-union environments
• Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior leaders
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated success managing vendors and controlling benefit costs
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, matrixed organization and manage competing priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Workday

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency
• Punctuality and dependability
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working in an office environment. You will be required to work in the office at the North Andover, MA location three days per week (Monday – Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday).

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment

Pay Range

The expected salary range for this position is $180,000- $220,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

Watts in it for you :

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.