Director, Benefit Programs

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Director of Benefits is a strategic leader within Human Resources, responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive employee benefits programs.

This role ensures that offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with federal and state regulations.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in benefits strategy, strong leadership capabilities, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Design

· Develop and lead benefits strategies aligned with organizational goals and workforce needs.

· Serve as a key advisor on industry trends, particularly within healthcare and related sectors.

· Collaborate with senior leadership to shape long-term benefits planning and objectives.

Operational Oversight

· Direct benefits operations to ensure efficient administration and goal achievement.

· Lead and mentor benefits team members to foster a high-performing, engaged workforce.

· Manage vendor relationships and ensure adherence to service agreements and performance standards.

Compliance & Risk Management

· Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations.

· Oversee audits and maintain documentation for regulatory reporting.

Financial Management

· Conduct financial and operational analysis of benefit plans to identify cost drivers and opportunities.

· Partner with Finance to manage budgets, forecast spend and optimize plan performance.

· Negotiate contracts with carriers, brokers, PBMs, and other vendors to maximize value.

Employee Engagement & Communication

· Lead initiatives to enhance employee understanding and appreciation of benefits.

· Partner with HR Communications to develop materials for employee education and outreach.

· Serve as a senior escalation point for complex benefits inquiries.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with HR, Finance, and Legal to align benefits strategy with broader business objectives.

· Present recommendations and updates to executive leadership.

Technical Skills

· Proficiency in HRIS systems, benefits platforms, and data analytics tools.

Core Competencies

· Strategic planning and budgeting

· Regulatory compliance

· Vendor negotiation and management

· Employee communication and training

· Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making

· Leadership and team development

Preferred Skills

· Experience managing multi-state or complex benefits programs within a large multinational organization

· Proven success in cost containment and vendor performance optimization

· Strong background in managing PBM’s and rebate programs

· Experience on the Broker side of employee benefits beneficial

Supervision

Responsible for the direct supervision of benefits staff across various levels, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and disciplinary actions.

Key Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

· Bachelor'...