Rewards Benefits Manager - North America Job Clermont Kentucky USA,HR/Recruitment

Position: Total Rewards Benefits Manager - North America
Location: Clermont

Suntory Global Spirits (SGS) is a leading premium spirits company.

Role Responsibilities

This role will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Americas (Canada, US, US VI, Mexico) employee benefit plans to ensure all plans meet strategic objectives. The role will maintain strong relationships with the HR People Solutions team and multiple third‑party administrative vendors and consultants. It will stay well-informed on legislative and regulatory developments to ensure full compliance and will develop recommendations aligned with company strategy and goals.

The successful candidate will enable our Total Rewards philosophy to be an employer of choice, building business cases and analysis, and utilizing industry trends, market benchmarking, and internal metrics to support outcomes that enhance the employee experience and deliver positive results. The individual will work closely with People, Culture and Communications teams and other cross‑functional teams to implement benefit programs and policies that inspire employees to “unleash their spirit”.

Outcomes

and Success Criteria

Successfully deliver and proactively manage market‑leading Americas benefit programs, policies and processes while quickly adapting to SGS ways of working and becoming a subject‑matter expert.

Assist with the development of employee benefits strategy to ensure programs are market‑competitive, cost‑competitive, and aligned with company strategy, and oversee the implementation of approved plan design changes.

Monitor internal metrics, industry and workforce trends, regulatory and legislative changes, and work with Total Rewards leadership to develop the benefits strategy and implement changes, ensuring all plan‑related documents are accurate and up‑to‑date.

Develop and execute communication strategies to ensure all parties are fully informed of benefit plan changes and improve employee understanding, fostering appreciation of the value of all Americas benefit programs through the employment life cycle.

Manage multiple third‑party vendor relationships to ensure efficient and effective administration of all Americas benefit plans, continually evaluate internal and external administrative processes, and regularly assess vendors and service providers to maintain high quality and financial soundness.

Identify Total Rewards and Benefits employee experience optimization opportunities.

Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of the full spectrum of employee benefit plans, including 401(k), health and welfare plans (medical, wellness, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation).
Strong analytical, critical thinking, statistical and problem‑solving skills with a track record of ensuring compliance and consistent plan application.
Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with multiple third‑party vendors, HR partners, and employees at all levels.
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and good understanding of HR systems and vendor interfaces.
Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, planning and organizational skills.

Minimum Requirements

5+ years of experience managing all facets of US employee benefit plans, including retirement, health and welfare plan administration, reporting and compliance; exposure to North American and international benefits and M&A is preferred.
Experience managing outsourced administrative vendors, developing RFPs, selecting vendors, and leading implementation, transition, and plan harmonization projects.
Previous experience with benefit plan financial modeling, developing plan documentation, conducting research and survey participation.
Ability to work independently, be proactive in a fast‑paced environment, own projects, and communicate with leadership to keep stakeholders informed.
Ability to articulate issues concisely and clearly for all audiences and to deliver compliant, creative and successful solutions.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources or equivalent education and experience.
Experience in Total Rewards, such as compensation subject‑matter expertise.
Experience with union benefits.
Strong verbal and written…