Global Benefits Lead

About the role

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together.

The Opportunity

As Appian continues its rapid expansion, we need a proactive, execution-oriented Global Benefits Lead to scale our U.S. and international benefits programs. Sitting at our headquarters in McLean, VA, you will serve as a core operational partner managing U.S. health, welfare, and retirement administration while supporting benefits delivery across EMEA and APJ. This role offers high visibility, a high degree of ownership, and the opportunity to leverage innovative automation to modernize benefit workflows for a modern global workforce.

What You'll Do

• Lead Day-to-Day U.S. Benefits Administration: Support end-to-end U.S. health and welfare plans (medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life/AD&D, leaves) and the U.S. 401(k) program in partnership with financial advisors and plan administrators.
• Support International Benefits Delivery: Partner with local brokers, vendors, and regional HR teams to execute renewals, manage implementations, and align benefits administration across EMEA and APJ with local statutory requirements.
• Manage Compliance & Vendor Relationships: Oversee compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA) and partner with international stakeholders on governance, vendor invoice audits, implementation, and performance monitoring.
• Optimize Operations & Workflow Automation: Modernize administration by identifying efficiency gains, leveraging AI tools, and streamlining benefits enrollment workflows within enterprise tools like Workday.
• Drive Strategic Initiatives & Analytics: Analyze claims data, utilization trends, and vendor reporting to deliver insights, while leading critical execution cycles like Open Enrollment, system configuration, and employee communications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (required).
• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration with demonstrated ownership of complex, multi-region programs.
• Deep operational expertise in U.S. health, welfare, leave, and retirement plan administration.
• Proven experience leveraging enterprise HRIS platforms, specifically Workday.
• Strong analytical, spreadsheet, and data-auditing skills with a track record of driving operational efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to international benefits administration across EMEA and APJ regions.
• Experience integrating AI-driven workflows or modern tech tools into HR and benefits operations.
• Enterprise Ecosystem Experience: We value experience within enterprise platform ecosystems such as Salesforce or ServiceNow, as these systems translate exceptionally well into our Enterprise-Grade Orchestration environment.

Pay and benefits

The base salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market and business conditions that exist when extending an offer. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance.

In addition, Appian provides generous benefits offerings that include a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, an employee referral bonus program, and learning and development resources. Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards.

Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or benefit plans.

Base Salary Range $100,000—$200,000 USD

Tools and Resources

• Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires.
• Growth Opportunities: Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education. This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities.
• Community: We'll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups. These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company.

Benefits

Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future. Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country-please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to.