Associate Director - Benefits Advisory

About the Role

The Associate Director – Benefits Advisory is a pivotal leadership role within a leading consulting organization’s employee benefits practice in India. This individual will be responsible for driving advisory services in employee benefits, shaping client strategies, managing a high-performing team, and fostering business growth. The successful candidate will provide expert counsel on benefits program design, risk management, regulatory compliance, and innovative solutions to a diverse portfolio of multinational and domestic clients.

Client Advisory and Consulting:

• Lead the delivery of benefits advisory projects for major corporate clients across sectors.

• Advise on health & wellness, life and disability insurance, flexible benefits, and emerging employee wellbeing solutions.

• Analyze client needs, industry benchmarks, and regulatory requirements to develop tailored recommendations.

• Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior client stakeholders, including Chief Human Resource Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and business leaders.

Business Development:

• Identify new business opportunities and nurture relationships to expand the firm’s benefits advisory footprint in India.

• Develop and pitch proposals, lead responses, and support the acquisition of new clients.

• Contribute to marketing and thought leadership initiatives, including seminars, webinars, and publications.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of consultants and analysts, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture.

• Delegate project assignments, set clear goals, and support professional growth of team members.

• Drive knowledge sharing and technical upskilling within the team.

Project Management & Delivery Excellence:

• Oversee end-to-end project delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Implement best practices in consulting methodologies, project documentation, and client communications.

• Identify risks and proactively resolve issues to ensure client satisfaction and successful project outcomes.

Market and Regulatory Intelligence:

• Monitor trends and regulatory developments in India’s employee benefits landscape.

• Translate policy changes and market shifts into actionable insights for clients and internal teams.

• Establish and maintain relationships with insurance carriers, health plans, and industry regulators.

Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits consulting, insurance, or HR advisory, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale benefits advisory projects and delivering value to enterprise clients.
• Deep understanding of employee health plans, wellness initiatives, and statutory benefit requirements in India.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with expertise in benefits data analysis, benchmarking, and financial modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; experience with benefits technology platforms is an advantage.

Required Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to interpret complex business needs and industry trends to develop innovative, future-ready benefits strategies.
• Leadership: Experience in motivating teams, managing performance, and fostering talent development.
• Client Focus: Commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations.
• Project Management: Organizational skills to handle multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and drive projects to completion.
• Market Acumen: Staying abreast of market and regulatory changes affecting employee benefits in India.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across internal teams and external partners.

   

Willis Towers Watson is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on any basis.

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidatehelpdesk@wtwco.com.