EME Employee Benefits Specialist

Barclays is seeking a motivated and experienced individual to join their Pension and Benefits team as an Employee Benefits Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in managing and governing the employee benefits programs for Barclays employees on a global scale. If you're looking to advance your career in a dynamic and impactful HR function, this role offers significant advantages and critical considerations for your professional growth.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Global Impact: You'll be instrumental in ensuring the well-being of Barclays employees worldwide by managing a comprehensive range of benefit policies. This provides a broad scope of responsibility and exposure to diverse regulatory landscapes.
• Strategic Governance: This role offers the chance to build and maintain a robust governance framework for pension and benefit plans. You'll be at the forefront of ensuring compliance, anticipating legislative changes, and implementing strategic policy adjustments, allowing you to shape best practices.
• Supplier Management Expertise: A core aspect of this position involves managing third-party providers. This is a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills in vendor oversight, negotiation, and performance management, a highly sought-after competency in the HR and benefits field.
• Project Ownership: You'll have the chance to take ownership of project activities, including scheme design reviews. This hands-on experience in project delivery within a fast-paced environment is invaluable for career progression.
• Career Development: The role emphasizes continuous improvement and provides opportunities for market research, strategy development, and the application of digital and technology solutions, aligning with modern HR practices and fostering professional development.
• Influence and Advisory Role: You'll be expected to provide expert advice on pensions and benefits to support commercial and HR objectives, positioning you as a key advisor and influencing decision-making across the organization.
• Team Leadership Potential: The "Assistant Vice President Expectations" section indicates potential for leading a team, setting objectives, and coaching colleagues, offering a clear pathway for those looking to move into management.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Depth of Technical Knowledge: Success in this role hinges on a strong understanding of employee benefit plans, particularly in the European and UK markets. Candidates with prior experience in pension plan design and governance will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to adapt to changing demands, balance conflicting priorities, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment is crucial. This role requires a proactive and resilient mindset.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills are paramount. You'll need to effectively influence stakeholders and communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Data Acumen: A solid understanding of data analysis, management, and the importance of effective records management is essential for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of employee benefit data.
• Risk and Controls Focus: Candidates will be assessed on their understanding of risk and controls. A proactive approach to identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies will be highly valued.
• Strategic and Business Acumen: Beyond operational tasks, the role requires strategic thinking and an understanding of how benefits align with broader business objectives and HR strategies.
• Barclays Values and Mindset: Alignment with Barclays' core values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) and mindset (Empower, Challenge, Drive) is expected, reflecting the company culture and approach to work.

This role, based in our Glasgow office, presents a significant opportunity for individuals seeking to contribute to a leading financial institution while advancing their expertise in employee benefits and global HR governance. If you possess the required experience and are eager to make a tangible impact, we encourage you to explore this exciting career path.