Company Description
Freshworks makes it fast and easy for businesses to delight their customers and employees. We do this by taking a fresh approach to building and delivering software that is affordable, quick to implement, and designed for the end user. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks has a global team operating from 13 global locations to serve more than 65,000 companies -- from startups to public companies – that rely on Freshworks software-as-a-service to enable a better customer experience (CRM, CX) and employee experience (ITSM).
Freshworks’ cloud-based software suite includes Freshdesk (omni-channel customer support), Freshsales (sales automation), Freshmarketer (marketing automation), Freshservice (IT service desk), Freshchat (AI-powered bots), supported by Neo, our underlying platform of shared services.
Freshworks is featured in global national press including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg and has been a BuiltIn Best Place to work in San Francisco and Denver for the last 3 years.
Our customer ratings have earned Freshworks products TrustRadius Top Rated Software ratings and G2 Best of Awards for Best Feature Set, Best Value for the Price and Best Relationship.
Job Description
The Director, Benefits APJ – is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs across the region. This role ensures that benefits offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with local regulations while aligning with the company’s global total rewards strategy. The Director will collaborate with regional HR teams, vendors, and leadership to enhance employee well-being and support talent attraction and retention.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Benefits Leadership
- Develop and execute the benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with global total rewards objectives.
- Evaluate, design, and manage healthcare, retirement, wellness, and leave programs tailored to each country’s regulatory and market requirements.
- Act as a strategic advisor to senior HR and business leaders on benefits trends, innovations, and compliance requirements.
Benefits Program Management
- Oversee health, welfare, and retirement plans across APJ, including medical insurance, life insurance, pension schemes, and other employee benefits.
- Lead annual benefits renewals, negotiations, and benchmarking to maintain market competitiveness.
- Ensure a consistent employee experience by standardizing benefits where possible while allowing for local market differentiation.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure regulatory compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory benefits across multiple APJ countries.
- Partner with legal, finance, and HR teams to manage benefits governance, audits, and reporting.
- Monitor and respond to changes in government regulations and industry best practices.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with third-party benefits providers, brokers, and consultants to optimize program effectiveness and costs.
- Partner with regional HR teams to implement and communicate benefits programs effectively.
- Work closely with payroll, finance, and HR operations teams to ensure smooth administration of benefits.
Employee Engagement & Communication
- Develop and execute benefits communication strategies to improve employee awareness and utilization of programs.
- Partner with the HR business partners (HRBPs) to provide training and support on benefits-related topics.
- Drive initiatives to enhance employee well-being and mental health programs across the region.
Data Analytics & Cost Management
- Analyze benefits utilization, costs, and employee feedback to inform program enhancements.
- Provide leadership with dashboards, reports, and insights on the effectiveness of benefits programs.
- Develop strategies for cost containment and return on investment (ROI) while maintaining competitive offerings.
Qualifications
Qualifications & ExperienceRequired:
- 10+ years of experience in employee benefits or total rewards, with at least 5 years managing benefits in the region.
- Strong knowledge of benefits regulations, statutory requirements, and market practices across multiple APJ countries (e.g., India, Australia, Singapore, etc.).
- Experience working in large multinational companies (MNCs) with complex, multi-country benefits programs.
- Proven ability to manage vendors, negotiate contracts, and optimize benefits costs.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making and reporting.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.
Preferred:
- Experience in technology is a plus.
- Familiarity with Workday or other HRIS platforms.
- Professional certifications such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), GPHR (Global Professional in Human Resources), or equivalent.
- Fluency in multiple APJ languages is a plus.
Additional Information
At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.
