Director of Benefits

High-impact leadership role owning strategy, design, governance, and administration of health & welfare, retirement, and executive deferred compensation programs for 50,000+ employees. Portfolio includes a self-funded medical plan ($500M+ annual cost), a 401(k) with $3B+ in assets, and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The role drives competitive, cost-effective, and compliant programs in a fast-growing, M&A-driven environment—integrating acquired companies, managing vendors and budgets at scale, and partnering directly with top executives.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead benefits strategy and plan design across health & welfare, 401(k), and deferred compensation to support attraction, retention, and total rewards competitiveness.
• Drive M&A benefits due diligence, integration, plan harmonization, and employee transitions onto company programs.
• Oversee self-funded medical/pharmacy/dental/vision/life/disability plans (claims trend, stop-loss, open enrollment, rate setting, cost containment) and partner with actuaries/brokers on funding strategy and IBNR.
• Provide strategic and fiduciary oversight of the $3B+ 401(k) plan (investment lineup, recordkeeping, Form 5500, nondiscrimination testing, audits) and serve on/advise the investment committee.
• Administer nonqualified deferred compensation (409A compliance, elections, distributions, rabbi trust coordination) and partner with Finance, Legal, and Executive Compensation.
• Ensure ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS, and DOL compliance; maintain plan documents and lead regulatory updates.
• Own vendor selection/negotiation, benefits budget, SLAs, and performance metrics; identify savings without compromising employee experience.
• Lead and develop the benefits team; drive communications/education; serve as trusted advisor to HR, Finance, Legal, and executive stakeholders.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field; 15+ years progressive benefits experience with 10+ years in leadership.
• Proven experience managing benefits for a large employer (10,000+ employees; 50,000+ preferred) and supporting M&A due diligence/integration.
• Hands-on administration of large qualified 401(k) plans ($1B+ assets) and self-funded health plans; working knowledge of 409A deferred compensation.
• Deep knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and IRS/DOL regulations, including fiduciary responsibilities; strong vendor negotiation and budget management skills.
• Preferred: Master's degree or CEBS/CBP/SHRM-SCP/SPHR; high-growth/multi-entity M&A experience; fiduciary committee experience; Workday/Fidelity/Alight familiarity