Global Benefits Director

Role Overview

Astera Labs is seeking a Global Benefits Director to join our People team in San Jose, California. As a hyper-growth leader in AI infrastructure connectivity—powering the world's most advanced data centers with purpose-built PCIe, CXL, and Ethernet solutions—we need a strategic benefits leader who can build and scale programs as aggressively as we're scaling our business.

This is not a maintenance role. You will own the global benefits strategy end-to-end, designing programs that attract and retain the world-class engineers, technologists, and business leaders fueling our growth. From reimagining our health and wellness offerings to optimizing retirement plans and harmonizing benefits across the US, Canada, Asia, and EMEA, you'll have the autonomy and executive visibility to make a lasting impact on how our employees experience Astera Labs.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on strategist who thrives in fast-moving environments, brings deep expertise in US benefits compliance, and has the global perspective to build scalable programs across multiple geographies. You'll partner closely with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, and Talent Acquisition to ensure our total rewards package is a true competitive weapon in the war for top talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Strategy & Program Management
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive global benefits strategy aligned with Astera Labs' hyper-growth objectives and talent acquisition goals
  • Evaluate and benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and competitors in the AI infrastructure and semiconductor space to ensure market competitiveness
  • Lead annual benefits renewal processes, including vendor negotiations and plan design recommendations
  • Drive innovation in benefits offerings to support employee wellbeing and position Astera Labs as an employer of choice
• Global Benefits Coordination
  • Oversee end-to-end coordination of benefits programs across all operating regions, including Canada, Asia, and EMEA, ensuring consistency, equity, and local compliance
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for international benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and in-country HR partners
  • Harmonize benefit plan designs across geographies while accommodating regional statutory requirements and cultural expectations
  • Maintain a centralized benefits governance framework to ensure transparency, auditability, and scalability across all regions
• Retirement Plans & PTO Program Management
  • Manage the full lifecycle of the company's 401(k) plan, including plan design, vendor management, compliance testing, and annual reporting (Form 5500)
  • Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements; manage plan audits and non-discrimination testing
  • Design, administer, and continuously improve PTO programs, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other leave of absence policies across all jurisdictions
  • Monitor utilization trends and provide data-driven recommendations to HR leadership to support employee wellbeing and workforce planning
• Compliance, Analytics & Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and country-specific requirements)
  • Analyze benefits utilization data, cost trends, and employee feedback to inform strategic decisions and optimize program ROI
  • Lead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless employee experience
  • Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits accounting and reporting
  • Support M&A activities and international expansion by assessing and integrating benefits programs

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits strategy and administration
• Strong knowledge of US benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
• Demonstrated experience managing 401(k) plans, including compliance testing, vendor oversight, and employee education
• Hands-on experience administering PTO and leave programs across multiple states, with working knowledge of California leave laws
• Experience managing global benefits programs or coordinating with international brokers and in-country partners
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (Microsoft ecosystem preferred)
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling benefits programs in high-growth technology or semiconductor companies
• Experience coordinating international retirement, pension, and provident fund programs
• CEBS, CBP, or similar professional benefits certification
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

Base salary range is $200,000 to $250,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role is eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.