Associate Director, Global Benefits Operations

At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognize those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients.

We thank you for your interest in joining the Barings team, and invite you to explore our current employment opportunities.

Title: Associate Director, Global Benefits Operations

Business Unit: Human Resources

Location: Charlotte, NC

Barings is a leading global financial services firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients and customers. Through active asset management and direct origination, we provide innovative solutions and access to differentiated opportunities across public and private capital markets. A subsidiary of MassMutual, Barings maintains a strong global presence with business and investment professionals located across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Job Summary

Barings is seeking an Associate Director, Global Benefits Operations, to join our Human Resources team in Charlotte, NC. This role serves as a key member of the Global Benefits team and is responsible for the administration, operational delivery, employee communications, vendor management, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs supporting team members globally.

The successful candidate will serve as the operational lead for benefits administration and employee experience initiatives, partnering across Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Procurement, HRIS, and external vendors to deliver high-quality benefit programs and services.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a key liaison with MassMutual, Barings' parent company, fostering a strong and collaborative partnership to support benefit program strategy, operational excellence, compliance, and alignment on shared employee benefit initiatives.
• Lead the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement, wellness, recognition, education assistance, expatriate, and voluntary benefits.
• Administer employee enrollments, eligibility changes, life events, terminations, and vendor data exchanges.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex benefits inquiries and administration issues.
• Manage operational relationships with benefit vendors, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Oversee benefits invoicing, auditing, reconciliation, and payment approval processes.
• Lead annual enrollment planning and execution, including project management, communications, systems readiness, reporting, and vendor coordination.
• Serve as the primary owner of benefits communications, including benefit guides, employee announcements, newsletters, intranet content, and enrollment materials.
• Act as a subject matter expert for retirement, disability, and leave-related benefit programs.
• Support compliance activities related to employee benefit plans and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Partner with HRIS to enhance Workday benefits administration, reporting, integrations, and employee self-service functionality.
• Drive process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and employee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in employee benefits administration, operations, vendor management, and employee communications.
• Strong knowledge of health and welfare, retirement, disability, leave, wellness, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Experience managing vendors, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
• Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125 plans, and retirement plan administration.
• Experience leading annual enrollment activities and employee communication campaigns.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred

• Experience with Workday Benefits and benefits administration systems.
• Experience supporting global employee populations.
• CEBS, SHRM, CBP, or related professional certification

#LI-JS1

Requisite Skills

Additional Skills

Barings is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; Minority/Female/Age/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply.

Barings offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

CORE BENEFITS & WELLNESS

• Medical (including Virtual Care), Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Fitness Center Reimbursement Program (Including Online Memberships)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fertility Benefits

FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

• Highly competitive 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care & Dependent Care
• Retirement Health Reimbursement Account

LIFE INSURANCE

• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Spouse and Child Life Insurance

TIME OFF, DISABILITY AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

• Paid Vacation, Sick Days and Annual Holidays
• Paid Leave of Absences (Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, Caregiver Leave, Bereavement Time)
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• Paid Volunteer Time

 OTHER BENEFITS

• Education Assistance Program
• Charitable Matching Gifts Program
• Commuter Reimbursement Program
• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement Program