Associate Benefits Director - Portfolio Strategy

About the Department

Imagine being a part of a team committed to helping people defeat diabetes and other serious chronic conditions. Here at Novo Nordisk, we seek out opportunities to contribute to healthier communities and better lives for all people. And, that’s what you’ll gain by joining Novo Nordisk’s People & Organization team. Our P&O team is passionate about their purpose – enabling business success the Novo Nordisk Way by turning the Company’s business strategy into an actionable workforce strategy. A strategy which captures the entire employee life-cycle. At Novo Nordisk, you will join an inclusive team of diverse talent and benefit from a range of possibilities for professional and personal development. Are you ready?

The Position

Responsible for the management of Novo Nordisk Inc.'s employee benefit programs including vendor performance, financial tracking, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Leads requests for proposals (RFPs), contract negotiations and implementation of new or modified employee benefits programs and services; oversees existing plans. Identifies and executes continuous process improvement opportunities using data driven decision making. Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers; develops specific recommendations for review by leadership to ensure that the benefit programs remain competitive and cost effective. Participates in benefit committees/counsels and other governance oversight functions.

Relationships

Reports to the Director, Benefits Portfolio. Interacts with personnel at all levels of the HR community and Novo Nordisk affiliates, including cross functional departments such as Finance, Procurement and Legal. External relationships include vendors and consultants. Plays an important internal consultant role with broader Global Total Rewards Development team and with the broader People, Leadership and Performance (PLP) COE which includes Leadership & Learning, Culture, Total Rewards, and Mobility.

Essential Functions

• Provide management and oversight of Novo Nordisk Inc.'s benefits program including but not limited to medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) / Money Purchase Plan (MPP), executive benefits, disability/leave benefits, health and welfare benefits administration and COBRA administration
• Develop, implement and manage procedures relating to benefit plan compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, ERISA, Internal Revenue Code, etc.
• Interpret benefit plan provisions and resolve associated conflicts and participant escalations
• Lead requests for proposals (RFPs) and contract renewal negotiations
• Implement new benefit programs and approved benefit changes with applicable vendor partners
• Maintain vendor relationships and ensure timely, accurate, compliant delivery of services. Ensure SLA's are achieved and/or action plans developed and implemented to address deficiencies
• Identify continuous process improvement opportunities and implement approved changes in partnership with outsourced vendors
• Contribute to development and maintenance of a benefits communication strategy
• Proactive thought leadership and effective collaboration across the Global PLP COE various functional areas
• Contribute benefits subject matter expertise to any global design or long-term strategy for the North America Region and/or broader company strategy
• Evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing surveys and other sources of information. Develop specific recommendations for review by management
• Contribute to the development of annual and multi-year benefits strategy; identify market trends and cost drivers, perform cost modeling, leverage AI to the degree possible and develop of options to drive a highly effective organization and reinforce our reputation and positioning in the market
• Participate in benefit committees and counsels; serve as chairperson as needed in Benefits Director absence
• Support new business development including review and analysis of benefits offerings and seamless integration of new employees into benefits
• Support key ad-hoc deliverables as needed

Physical Requirements

This position can be based in Lexington, MA or Plainsboro, NJ.

30%-40% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree required; relevant experience may be substituted for degree, when appropriate
• Advanced degree and/or certification (CEBS or CBP) in a benefits related area or progress toward obtaining preferred
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in HR or related industry with at least six years in Benefits
• Previous administration experience with self-insured medical, 401(k) and/or short- and long-term disability plans required. Large corporation (1000+ employees) experience preferred
• Must have a working knowledge of IRS, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA and FMLA rules and regulations as they pertain to employee benefits
• Track record of accomplishment in benefit administration, communications, vendor management and cost/financial management required
• Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, execute and follow-up in a timely manner required. Proven ability to work across functional areas with all levels of stakeholders both locally and globally
• Exceptional collaboration skills, strong relationship building and stakeholder management required. Flexibility to meet business needs while moving key initiatives and priorities forward
• Strong analytical capabilities and ability to synthesize complex information into user-friendly, persuasive formats and presentations required
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communication skill required
• Demonstrated solid problem solving and analytical ability required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required
• Experience in benefit plan design and negotiations with plan vendors and consultants preferred
• Experience with new business development (including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures) and associated benefit-related due diligence processes / compliance requirements preferred
• Experience with artificial intelligence platforms, agents and/or digital innovation solutions within the Total Rewards field preferred

The base compensation range for this position is $152,700 to $267,300. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at View phone number on us.fitly.work. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.