Director, Benefits

Work Location: San Jose Great Oaks Headquarters--LOC_WDT_USCA23 Company Description WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

WD is seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Benefits to lead the design, delivery, and evolution of our global benefits and wellbeing programs. This role serves as the Center of Excellence (CoE) leader for benefits strategy, owning direct program accountability for the United States and EMEA regions, while providing CoE oversight and governance for APAC benefits operations. The Director will also own WD's global employee wellbeing strategy, ensuring programs are impactful, inclusive, and aligned with our Total Rewards philosophy. This is a high-visibility role that partners closely with HR Business Partners, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to ensure our benefits offerings attract and retain top talent across a diverse, global workforce. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: US Benefits Leadership Own end-to-end strategy, design, and administration of all US benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA), 401(k)/retirement plans, leave of absence policies, and voluntary benefits. Lead the annual US benefits renewal process, including vendor selection, RFP management, cost modeling, and executive presentations. Ensure full compliance with applicable regulations including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other federal and state requirements. Partner with Legal and Finance to manage plan documents, SPDs, 5500 filings, and non-discrimination testing. EMEA Benefits Leadership Provide strategic oversight and hands-on management of benefit programs across EMEA countries. Partner with regional HR teams, local brokers, and legal counsel to ensure programs are locally compliant, market-competitive, and aligned to the global Total Rewards philosophy. Lead benchmarking and market analysis for EMEA programs to proactively identify gaps and opportunities. Manage relationships with EMEA benefits brokers and insurers, driving accountability for service delivery and cost effectiveness. APAC Benefits – CoE Governance Serve as the global CoE authority for benefits strategy and governance, providing APAC regional HR teams with frameworks, policies, standards, and tools to deliver locally relevant programs. Conduct periodic governance reviews of APAC benefits programs to assess alignment with global philosophy, cost trends, and compliance posture. Support APAC teams on complex or escalated program design questions, M&A activity, and new country expansions. Global Wellbeing Strategy Design and champion WD's global employee wellbeing strategy, encompassing physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing pillars. Manage wellbeing vendor ecosystem, including EAP, mental health platforms, financial wellness tools, and onsite/virtual wellness programs. Build and execute a wellbeing communications and engagement calendar to drive participation and program awareness globally. Measure and report on wellbeing program effectiveness through utilization data, employee