Director - Compensation and Benefits (Middle East, India, APAC, and Africa)

Atkins, a member of SNC Lavalin Group is one of the worlds’ leading engineering design consultancies. We have the breadth and depth of expertise to respond to the most technically challenging and time critical infrastructure projects. As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment, we are committed to planning, enabling and designing excellence in the delivery of first-class solutions which combines innovation, imagination and best practices. 

Summary: 

Reporting to the Vice-President, Compensation, you will provide advice and support to senior members of the Human Resources leadership team to guide them and other senior leaders on the application, governance and management of SNC-Lavalin corporate programs and annual processes as well as the management of executive compensation policies, providing recommendations and data to support all activities around Executive level employees in your regions.

Other elements included in this role are:

• Lead the implementation and communication of the Compensation and Benefits strategy which includes compensation, incentive plans, and benefits in a complex multi-national environment.
• Responsible for the implementation, communication, change management and ongoing evaluation of the Compensation and Benefits programs for your regions, focusing on harmonization and optimization.
• Advise members of the Senior Human Resources leadership team to provide direction and drive overall Compensation and Benefits strategy ensuring competitive, cost-effective plans and alignment with corporate objectives for your regions. Provides support to local HR leaders.
• Lead and mentor a small team of senior Compensation and Benefits managers.
• Build a strong shared service team with capabilities to support different areas of the Compensation and Benefits team and to support the Corporate Compensation team during the annual salary processes

In performing your role, you will be supported by a Corporate Compensation team responsible for leading the annual salary process, managing the Job Classification System and architecture, as well as the short-term and long-term incentive plans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyzes and evaluates existing Compensation and Benefits programs, tracks new developments and recommends program changes that are aligned with the Total Reward and the business strategy.
• Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with local Human Resources leaders, Human Resources Business Partners, finance partners, legal team and other internal teams
• Manages the relationship with the benefits vendors, benefits contracts, and oversees the annual renewals and ensures our plan designs are compliant, effective and efficient (harmonizing provider, renewal dates, etc.).
• Drives renewal negotiations; work with the vendors / providers to interpret and analyze participation, utilization and claims information, incorporating findings into future benefits design and company financial planning process.
• Acts as the gate keeper for escalated issues on Compensation and Benefits and with regards to interpretation of plan provisions in relation to administration and policy issues.
• Coordinates and directs the participation in the “Salary Benchmark Process” for your region with guidance from the Corporate Compensation team.

• Provide consultation, guidance and support to senior HR team and key internal stakeholders on Compensation and Benefits related issues.
  • Direct various compensation projects through research, review, cost analysis, design, communication, implementation and change management.
• With guidance from the Corporate Compensation team and with support from your team, manage the annual compensation process including annual salary review process, liaise with local payroll to ensure the payout of the short-term and long-term incentives.
• Act as gate keeper for the job classification system for senior roles and executive roles in your regions, ensuring proper governance is followed for all new hires, promotions, and terminations.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, APTITUDE & ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

• University degree, with a concentration in Human Resources Management or business-related area of study;
• 10 - 15 years prior experience leading Compensation and Benefits in a large global organization, with a strong knowledge of the Middle East region;
• Demonstrated success leading, motivating and building high performing and capable shared service team;
• Ability to effectively plan, coordinate, and implement complex projects in your regions, with multiple competing priorities;
• Highly effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating professionalism, sound decision-making and high customer service;
• Shows strong leadership and business acumen;
• Works effectively in high-pressure situations that require sound decision-making and may involve confidential or sensitive matters;
• Innovative problem-solver, critical thinker, and has strong analytical skills to address both strategic programs and unique, complex situations;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to confidently present to diverse audiences (English);
• Ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically and build collaborative, positive relationships across all levels of the organization;
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices and innovative trends in Compensation and Benefits design with the ability and willingness to deep dive and roll up his/her sleeves;
• Flexibility to quickly adapt to change in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to collaborate closely with other parts of the organization whether at corporate level, within business units or with organizations external to the Company;
• Self-directed, results oriented and having the ability to respond to inquiries from multiple sources;
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, PowerPoint & Outlook; with strong knowledge of Excel (pivot tables, formulas, etc.);
• Knowledge of Workday a plus.