Senior Manager - Global Benefits (Strategy, Product & Governance)

Organizations everywhere struggle under the crushing costs and complexities of “solutions” that promise to simplify their lives. To create a better experience for their customers and employees. To help them grow. Software is a choice that can make or break a business. Create better or worse experiences. Propel or throttle growth. Business software has become a blocker instead of ways to get work done.

There’s another option. Freshworks. With a fresh vision for how the world works.

Freshworks Inc. builds uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional employee and customer experiences. Our people-first approach to AI eliminates friction, helping businesses reduce complexity, lower cost-to-serve, and deliver faster, more human support through enterprise-grade yet easy-to-use CX and IT solutions. Nearly 75,000 companies, including Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music, trust Freshworks to power their Employee Experience (EX) and Customer Experience (CX) operations.

Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.

The Senior Manager - Global Benefits is responsible for evolving the strategy, design, and performance of the global benefits ecosystem. This role operates as a product owner and strategic leader, ensuring benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and deliver a seamless employee experience through a combination of vendors, digital tools, and operational partners.

This critical People Team role will partner with key stakeholders to support our Employee Value Proposition at Freshworks and enhance our brand.

This position shifts away from transactional administration and instead focuses on strategy, governance, vendor orchestration, and data-driven decision-making, leveraging AI and automation to scale globally.

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday). 

Strategy & Benefits Architecture

• Define and execute a global benefits and wellbeing strategy aligned with business priorities, workforce demographics, and market competitiveness

• Design and evolve benefits programs across health, retirement, wellbeing, and leave, ensuring scalability across regions

• Establish a cohesive global framework with appropriate local flexibility

• Lead innovation in benefits design, including digital-first and AI-enabled solutions

Benefits Product Ownership & Experience

• Own the end-to-end employee benefits experience, from onboarding through life events and offboarding

• Define and optimize the employee journey, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and engagement

• Partner with internal teams to deliver a digital-first experience (e.g., portals, AI assistants, decision support tools)

• Continuously improve experience through employee feedback, utilization data, and behavioral insights

Vendor Ecosystem & Performance Management

• Lead the selection, design, and management of a global vendor ecosystem (health plans, wellbeing providers, retirement partners, etc.)

• Establish clear performance expectations, SLAs, and accountability frameworks

• Drive integration across vendors to deliver a cohesive, high-quality employee experience

• Conduct regular market assessments and negotiate solutions to ensure cost efficiency and innovation

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations (e.g., ERISA, global statutory requirements)

• Oversee plan governance, including plan documents, policies, audits, and regulatory filings

• Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to mitigate risk and maintain strong controls

• Maintain clear governance structures for decision-making and program oversight

Financial Management & Cost Optimization

• Own benefits financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost trend analysis

• Identify and manage key cost drivers (utilization, vendor pricing, plan design)

• Develop and execute strategies to improve ROI and long-term sustainability

• Present clear, data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership

Data, Insights & Decision Support

• Leverage data analytics to evaluate program performance, engagement, and outcomes

• Translate data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations

• Build reporting frameworks that enable real-time visibility into benefits performance

• Support executive decision-making with clear, concise, and outcome-focused analysis

Operating Model & Delivery

• Define and manage a modern benefits operating model, leveraging:

  • Vendor-led service delivery

  • Centralized operations (e.g., HR Ops/shared services)

  • AI and digital tools for employee support

• Ensure efficient execution of key processes such as enrollment, life event changes, and employee support, without reliance on manual intervention

• Continuously identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and scale operations globally

Scope & Impact

• Global responsibility across multiple regions (Americas, EMEA, APAC)

• Direct influence on employee experience, cost management, and talent strategy

• High visibility with senior leadership, including HR, Finance, and Legal

• 7–10+ years of experience in global benefits, total rewards, or related fields

• Proven experience managing multi-country benefits programs and vendor ecosystems

• Strong understanding of benefits governance, compliance, and financial management

• Demonstrated ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels

• Experience leveraging data, technology, and automation to improve outcomes

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday). 

This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the expected base salary range for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is also eligible for a target bonus.

Compensation Package

$171,400 - $224,910 USD Base Salary

Compensation is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to location, experience, job-related skills, and level. Bonus/equity may be available. Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances. Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered. Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

At Freshworks, we have fostered an environment that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion, welcoming colleagues of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ethnicities. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer environment that boosts the goals of our employees, communities, and business. Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.