At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

 

Role objective and key accountabilities: 
Hiring Manager Shoabna Kassen

Primary Location

South Africa > Gauteng > Johannesburg

 

This role reports to the Region Total Rewards Leader and is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing Benefits and Wellbeing solutions for EY people. The role holder will base their approach on robust market analysis and a sound understanding of emerging business needs and desired outcomes, ensuring compliance with global policy and regional legal and regulatory requirements. They will engage with senior stakeholders to identify focus areas, inform and educate using their market understanding, and measure the effectiveness of each solution in achieving participation and engagement.

 

Additionally, the role involves managing operational relationships with Talent Shared Services (TSS) and external suppliers, answering complex enquiries, and building and maintaining constructive relationships across the Region Talent Team, Region’s business leadership, and other EY and external networks. The person will work on multiple benefits and wellbeing projects, delivering quality client service and providing flexible and innovative solutions. Excellent communication skills, the ability to rapidly establish relationships, and an understanding of risk benefits and Pension Fund Legislation are essential.

 

Specific focus areas
1. Risk Schemes

Promote and sustain effective risk management and compliance. Improve member/staff communication and visibility of benefit function/support Relentless focus on managing and following up with third parties (consultants and insurers) Demonstrate visible leadership through regular engagement with staff members and foster an environment where staff actively evaluates their benefits Review and manage queries around benefits and ensure adequate response times to queries and that queries are resolved in a satisfactory manner Enhance/ develop benefit tools to assist staff members to understand benefits more clearly and to assist support staff members (TSS & Payroll) to answer queries more effectively Conduct annual benefit comparison and market scan to ensure best rates are received from suppliers Claims management for death, disability, funeral, spousal group life and provident fund Liaison with payroll, trustees, independence, beneficiaries and other 3rd parties Manage monthly service meetings with suppliers.

 

2. Group Life and Disability

 Manage the Group Life and Disability process, from claims, rates, service providers. Independence checks, policies updated, payroll interface. Manage end to end claims and payment.

3. Spousal Cover

Manage the Spousal Cover process, from supplier, claims, rates, service providers. Independence checks, policies updated, payroll  interface. Manage end to end claims and payment.

 

4. Medical Aid

Review annual health provider comparison with broker Manage and oversee queries and liase with broker Manage all medical aid communications Facilitate new intake process and exits / mobility as they relate to medical benefit selections

 

Reports to: 

• Total Rewards Leader

 

Key interactions 

• SL and Cluster Talent Leaders, Rewards, Principal Officer, Partner Matters, Shared Services, Payroll, Partners and
employees 

 

Qualifications and Skills required

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent – preferably in Employee Benefits, Business, Human resources or accounting. Post graduate qualification (legal qualification) an advantage;  Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Benefits manager role;   At least 5 years’ experience in the employee benefits (insurance) and / or retirement fund industry Experience in dealing with the industry bodies, such as risk re-insurers, the FSCA, medical aid administrators, pension fund administrators, etc. Retirement Fund laws and regulations.  In this regard the candidate should be able to demonstrate how they have kept up to date with the legal framework in which retirement funds as well as risk benefits (group risk policies) operate. Strong technical skills (Proficient knowledge about Unapproved as well as Approved risk re-insurance, Pension Fund’s Act, Board Notices, PF130, Regulations including Regulation 28 and the Default Regulations), as well as medical aid administration knowledge. Knowledge of death claim distribution management is key (Unapproved group life cover). Protection of Personal Information Act knowledge required  Ability to manage outsourced service providers in terms of SLA and good governance together with EY’s procurement department. Good general Financial Services & Governance knowledge Experience in general HR (Employee Benefits).  Strong project management, excel and reporting skills and experience

 

Experiences 

Significant experience of working in Benefits and Wellbeing functions in professional services or corporate environment Good knowledge about the employee benefits and wellbeing industry; Investment-, Risk- & Administration products & services’ knowledge advantageous Good presentation skills  Good interpersonal skills. Building and maintaining relationships. Leadership qualities Good management skills Adhering to principles, policies and values including adhering to the Employer’s Code of Conduct. Good communication and report writing skills. Good planning & project management skills. Good organizing skills. Self-starter. Deadline driven and meeting expectations (both internal and external stakeholders) Able to work under pressure MS Office proficient Knowledge of the Professional Service environment advantageous, but not a requirement Contribute to client satisfaction by providing timely and effective responses to client needs and concerns Participate in client meetings and work within a team environment to deliver fully integrated compensation and benefit services to clients Influence and persuade clients and stakeholders to gain support for any major change initiatives and/or decisions Willingness to train, develop, and coach team resources so that they may grow professionally.

 

Personal Qualities

Responsible with a high level of accountability  Professional profile  Effective time management skills  Process orientated  Self-motivated with a strong focus on delivery  Conceptual thinking skills   Must be able to work under pressure, Individually or as member or a team  Flexible / Able to adapt to change  

 

What we look for

We’re interested in professionals with the drive to take on new responsibilities and projects. You’ll need the confidence to speak up with your own creative thoughts on a wide range of areas. You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve your potential through professional development and experiences with both internal clients as well as external service providers. If you’re keen to play a pivotal role within a highly focused Rewards team, this role is for you.