Specialist, Benefits

About the Specialist, Benefits Role at Pearson

You’ll support the delivery and continuous improvement of global benefits programs at Pearson, partnering with vendors, stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure benefits remain compliant, competitive, and aligned with organizational strategy.

As a key member of the Global Benefits team, the Specialist, Benefits is responsible for supporting, managing, and optimizing benefit programs across multiple regions. This role emphasizes program ownership, vendor partnership, governance, and process improvement to ensure benefits are delivered consistently, compliantly, and in alignment with business strategy.

This is not an entry-level specialist role. It requires a strategic mindset, global perspective, and the ability to influence outcomes through strong program coordination, analytical insight, and stakeholder collaboration. You will work closely with Global Benefits Managers, the Benefits Business Partner, and wider HR teams to support daily operations and initiatives aligned with the Benefits roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration & Program Support
  • Assist in the administration of routine global and regional benefit programs, ensuring consistent delivery and a positive employee experience.
  • Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits policies, eligibility, enrolment procedures, and resolve related concerns in a timely manner.
  • Support governance processes by monitoring regulatory requirements, preparing audit materials, and updating policies globally.
• Data, Reporting & Insights
  • Collect, validate, and interpret benefits data to produce actionable reports and dashboards that support informed decision-making.
  • Use data insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to enhance program effectiveness and employee experience.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management
  • Collaborate with vendors, brokers, third-party administrators (TPAs), management, and employees to support benefits delivery and resolve escalated issues.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners to achieve shared goals and ensure seamless program execution.
  • Work closely with the Benefits Business Partner to support key projects and strategic initiatives.
• Projects, Process Improvement & Operations
  • Co-lead initiatives such as annual enrolment, vendor transitions, and global program alignment, ensuring milestones and timelines are met.
  • Develop acceptance test scenarios and actively participate in system testing to support enhancements and process improvements.
  • Create, update, and maintain comprehensive documentation, process standards, and benefits communications for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proactively challenge existing processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including automation and operational efficiencies.
• Collaboration & Ways of Working
  • Manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently in alignment with the Benefits roadmap.
  • Operate effectively within a matrixed, international, and virtual environment as part of a global team.
  • Apply a global perspective to benefit administration, ensuring consistency across regions while supporting local requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Communication
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in problem-solving and requirements-gathering sessions.
  • Ability to create clear, concise documentation, training materials, and communications.
• Time Management & Organization
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment.
  • Demonstrates sound judgement in prioritization, meeting deadlines, and making timely, data-driven decisions.
• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
  • Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs and related regulations.
  • Proactive, inquisitive, and solutions-oriented mindset with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • High attention to detail and ability to interpret complex data and processes.
• Customer & Employee Experience
  • Self-motivated professional with a strong commitment to customer service and employee experience.
  • Collaborative team player who can build trust and credibility with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.

Experience & Technical Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration or a related HR/Total Rewards role.
• Experience supporting compliance, audit processes, and collaboration with HR, Payroll, vendors, brokers, and TPAs.
• Proficiency in benefits and HRIS platforms such as Oracle, ADP, or similar systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and strong data handling capability.

Key skills/competency

• Benefits Administration
• Global Program Management
• Vendor Relationship Management
• HRIS (Oracle, ADP)
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Regulatory Compliance
• Process Improvement
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Employee Experience Focus
• Project Coordination