Head of Benefits & Immigration

The Role

As the Head of Benefits and Immigration, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the comprehensive benefits strategy and programs for our U.S. and LATAM employees. In addition, this position will work collaboratively with the International HR team and external consultants to partner in the analysis of non-US benefit programs and help contribute to the annual strategic plan reviews.  This position requires strategic thinking, influencing skills and a deep understanding of U.S. and global benefits trends and regulations. You will collaborate closely with HR leadership, business executives, finance, legal, and other stakeholders to ensure that our benefits offerings align with the company's goals and support the well-being of our diverse workforce.

You will manage all aspects of US employment visas, permanent residency applications, and citizenship applications.   You will administer domestic transfers and partner with colleagues on international relocations and assignments.

How You'll Help Take Us There

U.S. Benefits Strategy and Planning

• Proactively develop and execute a U.S. benefits strategy that supports the company's business and financial objectives and enhances employee satisfaction and retention.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes related to U.S. benefits programs.
• Conduct regular benchmarking analyses to evaluate the competitiveness of our benefits offerings and recommend adjustments as needed.

U.S. Benefits Program Management

• Oversee all aspects of the company's benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement plans, insurance, flexible spending accounts, and other voluntary benefits.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to design, implement, and administer benefit plans that meet the needs of employees.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing benefits programs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and government regulations, including ERISA and ACA.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure benefits are properly set up in our systems.
• Administration of our retirement benefit payment processes, adhering to IRS and other regulations.

Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with U.S. benefits vendors, including insurers, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
• Negotiate contracts, evaluate vendor performance, and ensure that service levels and cost targets are met.

Communication and Employee Education

• Develop and execute communication strategies to educate employees about available benefits options, enrollment processes, and other relevant information.
• Coordinate with HR and internal communications teams to create engaging, informative materials, such as benefit guides, presentations, and online resources.
• Oversee benefit enrollment efforts, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide guidance to management and employees on existing benefits, addressing inquires promptly and courteously.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize data analytics tools and techniques to track key global metrics related to benefits utilization, costs, and employee satisfaction.
• Generate regular global reports and dashboards to provide insights to senior leadership and support decision-making.

Leadership

• Provide coaching and guidance to other HR Team members who help support U.S. benefits.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

US Immigration

• Overall responsibility for US immigration strategy, policies and administration.
• Collaborate with our external immigration attorneys to manage all aspects of employment visas, permanent residency applications, and citizenship applications, ensuring exceptional customer service.
• Provide guidance on visa processing times, sponsorship requirements, associated risks, and costs for potential candidates.
• Maintain and review visa tracker, ensuring timely initiation and filing of extensions.
• Ensure full compliance with immigration records maintenance.
• Draft and complete visa/travel letters as needed.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and develop recommendations to enhance efficiency and improve the employee experience.
• Coordinate resolutions to complex immigration matters with outside counsel, communicating solutions to employees and the business.
• Educate managers and employees on visa and green card application and renewal processes.
• Communicate US immigration policies and develop procedures.
• Conduct regular internal audits and support ad-hoc projects as needed

U.S. Relocations

• Partner with relocation vendors and HR Business Partner to determine options and administer US transfers. This also includes the full cycle of a relocation to the U.S., including the generation of cost-projections and assignment letters, as well as coordinating with employees and stakeholders.
• Monitor US immigration and mobility compliance and risks.
• Own vendor relationship with the Global Mobility provider.
• Help develop the Global Relocation policy.
• Coordinate payments related to U.S. mobility programs (e.g. billing/invoices, reimbursements, general expenses).
• Identify process improvement opportunities and develop new approaches to streamline and improve mobility processes globally.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key HR and business contacts.
• Work closely with the Head of Compensation Accounting & Policy regarding assignment tax matters and production of cost-projections.
• Work closely with external vendors to ensure exceptional service to employees and maximize cost efficiencies.

International Benefits

• Proactively work with external consultants and collaborate with the international HR team to gain an understanding of the benefit programs and help contribute to scheme design and vendors. The ultimate ownership over scheme designs and implementation remains with the Head of HR, EMEA & APAC and CHRO.
• Develop global benefits reporting and analysis.
• Support the international HR team (where applicable) to contribute to benefit options when setting up a new country’s benefits and vendors.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes related to global benefit programs.
• Work closely with our global benefit consultant and HR team members to lead the implementation and maintenance of our employee benefit portal.
• Where applicable, develop and execute global communication strategies to educate employees about available benefits that are consistent globally.
• Assist with the pension reviews in Europe, outside of the UK, as well as set up on new countries.

What We’re Looking for  

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 7+ years of experience in benefits program management and administration, with at least 3 years in a global or multinational organization
• 3+ years of experience in Immigration and global mobility experience
• In-depth knowledge of global benefits regulations, compliance requirements, and market trends
• Extensive knowledge of US immigration regulations and compliance. An understanding of EMEA & APAC is beneficial as well as GDPR requirements
• Experience working with a global company
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven recommendations
• Project management experience
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Proactive in seeking out solutions and improvements in user experience
• Demonstrated cross-cultural awareness, sensitivity, and high level of confidentiality
• Thrive in fast paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail with ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences, including senior management
• Ability to be a self-starter and work independently
• Strong vendor management skills
• Global team player, able to work effectively and inclusively with remote teams
• Relevant Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, PHR, SPHR) are a plus

What You Can Expect from Us

• Hybrid Environment: Our employees enjoy a mix of working in the office and from home
• Free Food: We provide free lunch for employees when they are working in the office. Plus, our offices are stocked with snacks
• Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO package including vacation and personal days, sick leave and charity days
• Generous Parental Leave: Up to 20 weeks fully paid leave
• 401(k): Dollar-for-dollar employer match up to $17,500
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Employees can purchase MarketAxess common stock at a discount
• Wellness Stipend: We provide employees with up to $1K annually towards gym memberships, home office equipment and more
• Onsite Healthcare: We offer convenient access to world-class care through Mount Sinai at our Hudson Yards location
• Tuition Assistance and Professional Development: Benefit from live and on-demand learning, role-specific training, employee-led Lunch and Learns and guest speakers
• Core benefits: Highly competitive medical, dental, and vision programs

For job positions in NYC, NY, and other locations where required, the estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $175,000 USD to $225,000 USD. Actual salary may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. You may also be eligible for annual cash incentives, equity, and other benefit programs.

MarketAxess Corporation and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic in the location in which the candidate is applying.

All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.