Global Benefits Director

Global Benefits DirectorAstera Labs is seeking a Global Benefits Director to join our People team in San Jose, California. As a hyper-growth leader in AI infrastructure connectivity—powering the world's most advanced data centers with purpose-built PCIe, CXL, and Ethernet solutions—we need a strategic benefits leader who can build and scale programs as aggressively as we're scaling our business.This is not a maintenance role. You will own the global benefits strategy end-to-end, designing programs that attract and retain the world-class engineers, technologists, and business leaders fueling our growth. From reimagining our health and wellness offerings to optimizing retirement plans and harmonizing benefits across the US, Canada, Asia, and EMEA, you'll have the autonomy and executive visibility to make a lasting impact on how our employees experience Astera Labs.The ideal candidate is a hands-on strategist who thrives in fast-moving environments, brings deep expertise in US benefits compliance, and has the global perspective to build scalable programs across multiple geographies. You'll partner closely with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, and Talent Acquisition to ensure our total rewards package is a true competitive weapon in the war for top talent.Key ResponsibilitiesBenefits Strategy & Program Management Develop and execute a comprehensive global benefits strategy aligned with Astera Labs' hyper-growth objectives and talent acquisition goalsEvaluate and benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and competitors in the AI infrastructure and semiconductor space to ensure market competitivenessLead annual benefits renewal processes, including vendor negotiations and plan design recommendationsDrive innovation in benefits offerings to support employee wellbeing and position Astera Labs as an employer of choiceGlobal Benefits Coordination Oversee end-to-end coordination of benefits programs across all operating regions, including Canada, Asia, and EMEA, ensuring consistency, equity, and local complianceServe as the primary point of contact for international benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and in-country HR partnersHarmonize benefit plan designs across geographies while accommodating regional statutory requirements and cultural expectationsMaintain a centralized benefits governance framework to ensure transparency, auditability, and scalability across all regionsRetirement Plans & PTO Program Management Manage the full lifecycle of the company's 401(k) plan, including plan design, vendor management, compliance testing, and annual reporting (Form 5500)Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; manage plan audits and non-discrimination testingDesign, administer, and continuously improve PTO programs, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other leave of absence policies across all jurisdictionsMonitor utilization trends and provide data-driven recommendations to HR leadership to support employee wellbeing and workforce planningCompliance, Analytics & Cross-Functional Partnership Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and country-specific requirements)Analyze benefits utilization data, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategic decisions and optimize program ROILead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless employee experienceCollaborate with Finance, Legal, and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits accounting and reportingSupport M&A activities and international expansion by assessing and integrating benefits programsBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field10+ years of progressive experience in benefits strategy and administrationStrong knowledge of US benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)Demonstrated experience managing 401(k) plans, including compliance testing, vendor oversight, and employee educationHands-on experience administering PTO and leave programs across multiple states, with working knowledge of California leave lawsExperience managing global benefits programs or coordinating with international brokers and in-country partnersProficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (Microsoft ecosystem preferred)Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insightsPreferred QualificationsExperience scaling benefits programs in high-growth technology or semiconductor companiesExperience coordinating international retirement, pension, and provident fund programsCEBS, CBP, or similar professional benefits certificationStrong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentExceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levelsBase salary range is $200,000 to $250,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role is eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.