Job Description
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Benefits to lead the design, evolution, and administration of a comprehensive employee benefits program. This leader will be responsible for developing the strategic direction for benefits offerings that are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational business objectives and talent strategies.
This role will shape the overall benefits strategy and lead a team committed to operational excellence, delivering seamless administration, full compliance, and a positive employee experience. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the evolving benefits landscape, a proven track record in strategic benefits planning, the ability to deliver operational excellence through strong team leadership, and exceptional skills in cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
Benefits Strategy
- Develop annual and long-term benefits vision and strategic roadmap aligned with business objectives and long-term talent strategy.
- Oversee competitive benchmarking, market intelligence, and assessment of emerging benefits trends, technologies, and industry innovations to maintain a strong employer value proposition.
- Evaluate workforce demographics, health data, and overall benefit program utilization patterns to design strategies that optimize health outcomes, retirement savings opportunities, employee experience, cost management, and competitive positioning.
- Develop recommendations for senior leadership regarding benefit investments, plan design, and transformational initiatives.
Vendor Strategy & Partnerships
- Lead vendor strategy and the selection of strategic partners (401(k), medical/dental/vision carriers, PBMs, etc.) that deliver measurable value at a competitive cost.
- Maintain collaborative partnerships with vendors to drive innovation, outcomes measurement, and excellence in service delivery and cost performance.
- Negotiate benefit contracts and service agreements to optimize financial terms, performance accountability, and strategic flexibility.
Operational Excellence & Plan Administration Leadership
- Lead a team responsible for delivering consistently excellent benefits plan administration.
- Manage a significant benefits budget, including cost forecasting and financial performance tracking. Partner with finance teams and actuarial consultants to model scenarios, optimize funding approaches, and demonstrate value for investment.
- Champion continuous improvement in processes, systems, and service delivery.
- Oversee annual enrollment strategy and execution with clear communication and strong employee engagement.
Benefit Plan Design & Governance
- Guide the evolution of benefit plan design to balance value, choice, affordability, and fiscal responsibility.
- Maintain governance structures, policies, and decision-making frameworks that ensure consistent, equitable, and legally compliant benefit delivery.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing benefits team, coaching team members to elevate capabilities and deliver results that exceed expectations.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, continuous learning, and service excellence.
- Manage benefits transformation initiatives when needed, ensuring stakeholder alignment, effective communication, and successful adoption.
- Serve as a thought leader and trusted advisor to senior HR leadership and cross-functional partners on benefits strategy and industry trends.
- Represent the organization externally through participation in industry forums, roundtables, and advisory councils when appropriate.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in employee benefits, with 7–10 years focused on benefits strategy, design, and administration within a large, complex organization.
- Professional certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or similar is preferred.
Keys to Success
- Demonstrated experience leading benefits strategy, design, and execution.
- Extensive experience with vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management in the benefits space.
- Ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
- Strong track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
- In-depth knowledge of benefits legislation and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
- Strong analytical and financial management capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional initiatives.
- Experience with self-insured health plans, retiree medical actuarial valuation processes, and claims analytics.
Salary - $166,000.00 to $250,000.00