Human Capital Benefits Specialist (Boston)

Company Overview

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.

Position Overview

KKR’s Global Benefits team is seeking an experienced Benefits Specialist to support the administration and evolution of employee benefit programs across the Americas, including healthcare, retirement, wellness, and work-life initiatives. Based in Boston and reporting to the Head of Americas Benefits, this role will primarily support employees in the U.S., Bermuda, and Canada.

The Benefits Specialist will manage day-to-day benefits operations and contribute to the design and delivery of wellness and benefits programming. As part of a collaborative, matrixed team, the role requires flexibility and a willingness to adapt responsibilities as business needs evolve. This individual will play a key role in enhancing the employee experience, improving benefits engagement and utilization, and driving operational efficiency through strong vendor management and strategic program support.

Responsibilities

• Support the administration and oversight of benefits programs across the Americas, including managing vendor and broker relationships and assisting with the U.S. Open Enrollment cycle.
• Contribute to the development and advancement of the Americas healthcare and wellness strategy, with a focus on preventive care, mental and financial well-being, work-life integration, and leave policies.
• Manage day-to-day benefits operations, including employee life cycle events (onboarding, transfers, terminations), benefits invoicing and billing, and maintenance of benefits-related content in HRIS (Workday) and SharePoint systems.
• Serve as a key point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality support across all benefit programs.
• Assist in the creation and execution of effective communication strategies and materials to drive awareness and engagement in benefits and wellness programs across the region.
• Support enhancements to the benefits governance framework and identify opportunities to drive operational efficiencies.
• Maintain a strong technical understanding of benefits programs and trends across the U.S., Bermuda, and Canada, including competitive plan design and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Finance and Payroll teams to analyze and reconcile benefits data, support budgeting processes, and identify risks or opportunities related to benefits spend and planning.
• Help facilitate vendor lifecycle management, including onboarding, contracting, ongoing relationship oversight, and performance evaluation in alignment with KKR’s procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including oversight of Form 5500 filings, 1095-C reporting, non-discrimination testing, and other compliance-related deliverables.
• Assist with benefits integration and due diligence activities related to mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures within the Americas region.
• Provide support for employee leaves of absence and disability/accommodation processes in accordance with applicable laws and internal policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, Human Capital or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience working in a dynamic, matrixed, fast-paced, and pressurized environment
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy
• Commitment to confidentiality and experience interacting with employees’ complex private medical and financial matters; HIPAA training to be completed upon hire
• At least three years of recent professional experience with U.S. employee benefits and wellness plan development and delivery
• Proven track record in health/wellness and work-life programs

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive benefits/wellness experience for plans in the U.S.
• Meaningful knowledge of Americas benefits plan design including healthcare, work-life (i.e., family building and support) and retirement plans along with plan administration, associated payroll processes, regulatory requirements and benefits program taxability
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to deliver on tight deadlines with follow through and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface with all levels of the organization
• Strong sense of accountability and sound personal judgment, including an understanding of competitor offerings and the general marketplace with the ability to use data to influence key stakeholders
• Successful record of handling employee benefits inquiries, building efficient operational processes, and demonstrating influence with key internal stakeholders
• Proven ability in vendor/broker/consultant relationship management and establishing effective partnerships with external service providers to ensure quality service, including but not limited to working with HRIS systems such as Workday

This is the expected annual base salary range for this Boston-based position. Actual salaries may vary based on factors, such as skill, experience, and qualification for the role. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, based on factors such as individual and team performance.

Base Salary Range$90,000—$100,000 USD

KKR is an equal opportunity employer.  Individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law.