Benefits Specialist

pWe are looking for an experienced Compensation and Benefits Specialist to join our HR team in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing compensation and benefits programs that attract, motivate, and retain top talent while ensuring competitive positioning within the industry. This role requires a strong analytical mindset and a deep understanding of compensation trends and benefit programs. /ppIn this role you will be responsible for the following: /ppstrongu1. Compensation and Benefits Management: /u /strong /ppuCompensation /u /polliServing as the go-to specialist for all initiatives in the field of compensation management within EU and the Americas. /liliDesigning and maintaining competitive compensation structures (including pensions and insurances) through performing cross regional job evaluations and annual benchmarks, ensuring market competitive compensation across the organization. /liliBuild strong processes around and perform annual salary reviews and job evaluations to ensure equitable compensation across the organization. /liliPartner with the Global Reward Team in Singapore to share (local) business needs/developments and to ensure alignment on policies and programs. /liliResponsible for checks and approval processes around payroll, ensuring timely and accurate execution. /liliDevelop and oversee employee benefit programs, including health, wellness, retirement, and other perks to enhance employee satisfaction and well-being. /liliAnnual review of benefit programs and track/apply (legal) changes. /liliManage relationships with external Comp Ben vendors. Evaluate and negotiate contracts with benefits providers to ensure cost-effective solutions. /liliPrepare and present reports on compensation and benefits metrics to senior management, providing statistical HR data and actionable insights to improve retention and motivation but also optimizing cost structures. /liliTracking personnel costs and ensuring overhead is kept in line with budget. /liliCreate and disseminate communication materials to inform employees about compensation structures and benefits program and engage relevant stakeholders in EU and Americas. /liliMonitor and assess the effectiveness of compensation and benefits programs (e.g. through employee surveys), making recommendations for enhancements based on employee feedback and market trends supported with actionable insights and KPI’s. /liliPrepare and maintain reports on HR metrics for management review. /li /olpuHR Admin Systems /u /polliManagement/superuser of Workday (GAR’s HR system) /liliUpdate and maintain staff database. /liliMaintain organisation charts. /liliResponsible for expense management (administration, verification and approvals). /liliPreparation of employer statements. /li /olpstrongu2. HR General and Admin: /u /strong /polliAct as the go-to resource for manager and employees, providing guidance on HR policies, employment practices, and workplace issues while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. /liliGuiding and overseeing the full employee life cycle, including the HR processes and documentation (contracts, confirmation letters, exit documents, reporting) ensuring compliance with GDPR, labor laws, regulations and internal policies. /liliInitiate, advise, develop, implement and drive continuous improvement of HR processes (employee handbook, policies, benefits etc). /liliResponsible for recording, updating and monitoring HR and CB processes and procedures. /liliLocal follow-up of employee surveys, analyse results, collaborate with line-managers to implement action plans based on employee feedback and ensure visible follow-up. /liliActively manage leave and sickness administration and provide assistance in case management where needed. /liliActively participate in all HR projects. /li /olpThe role will be reporting to the HR Director, based in the Netherlands. /ppstrongQualifications /strong /polliBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field /liliAt least 5 years of proven experience in HR, focusing specifically on compensation and benefits management, preferably in the commodities sector /liliInternational experience in compensation and benefits, dealing with local needs and frameworks, or at least the know-how to be able to map local compensation and benefits standards and translate into strategies for GAR /liliExperience in change and/or transition management trajectories /liliStrong knowledge of compensation principles, strategies, and best practices /liliFamiliarity with benefits administration and health/welfare plan design. International experience is a plus /liliProficient in HRIS systems and Microsoft Excel for data analysis /liliStrong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy /liliExcellent written and verbal communication skills. /li /olpstrongPersonality /strong /polliStrategic thinker with problem-solving abilit