Director of Benefits – Healthcare Benefits & Compliance

Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Benefits to lead the strategy, design, implementation, and administration of comprehensive employee benefit programs within a large, complex, multi‑divisional healthcare environment. This leader will ensure all programs are competitive, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with organizational goals while overseeing benefits operations, vendor governance, and benefits communication. The Director will also lead and develop a high‑performing benefits team.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Lead benefits strategy in partnership with Total Rewards, HRIS, Compensation, Finance, and executive leadership.
• Direct and mentor a team of benefits professionals; build a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Design, develop, and administer best‑practice benefit programs that attract and retain top talent while effectively managing cost, service quality, and compliance.

Benefits Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate plan documentation, reporting, and disclosures in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Oversee day‑to‑day benefits operations, including health & welfare, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Ensure full compliance with all federal and state regulations, including ERISA, IRS, DOL, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and healthcare reform requirements.

Plan Design, Evaluation & Implementation

• Develop metrics to measure program effectiveness, utilization, and ROI.
• Lead plan design, evaluation, and implementation across: Health & Welfare Plans, Pension Plans, 403(b) and 401(k) Plans, Non‑Qualified Plans, Life & AD&D, Short‑Term Disability, and Voluntary Benefits.

Vendor Management & Governance

• Ensure service delivery excellence and effective issue resolution.
• Lead RFPs, contract negotiations, and ongoing vendor performance management.
• Manage relationships with consultants, actuaries, brokers, and third‑party administrators.

Systems, Processes & Employee Experience

• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.
• Lead benefits communication strategy to ensure clarity, accessibility, and employee understanding.
• Partner with HRIS and IS teams to design and implement system enhancements, automation, and new applications to improve benefits delivery.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Escalation Support

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues.
• Support broader Total Rewards initiatives, including wellness and employee engagement programs.
• Collaborate with HR partners, leaders, and service center teams to resolve issues and improve processes.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• Master's degree preferred.
• High attention to detail and follow‑through.
• HR‑related certification preferred (e.g., CEBS, CBP)
• Strong computer proficiency and comfort with HR technology.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and escalate issues appropriately.
• Experience developing and implementing wellness programs preferred.
• Prior experience with HRIS systems and benefits system enhancements.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field required.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ERISA, IRS, DOL regulations, and healthcare reform.
• Experience with plan design, evaluation, compliance, and implementation across all major benefit plan types.
• 10+ years of experience managing benefits operations and implementing benefit programs in a complex healthcare system or multi‑divisional organization.

Benefits & Perks:

• PTO
• Life Insurance
• Retirement and Equity
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Work From Home opportunities
• Bonus Eligibility: 20%–30% (performance‑based) and more