Director of Benefits – Healthcare | Total Rewards, Compliance & Strategy

Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Benefits to lead the strategy, design, implementation, and administration of comprehensive employee benefit programs. This leader ensures all plans are competitive, cost‑effective, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals while overseeing benefits operations, vendor governance, and benefits communication. The Director also manages and develops a high‑performing team of benefits professionals.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of benefits professionals; build a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Own the strategy, design, and administration of competitive, cost‑effective benefit programs that drive attraction, retention, engagement, and organizational well‑being.
• Develop and monitor metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, utilization, and ROI.
• Oversee day‑to‑day benefits operations, compliance, vendor management, and plan governance across a multi‑site healthcare environment.
• Ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations including ERISA, IRS, DOL, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Manage relationships with consultants, brokers, actuaries, and third‑party administrators, lead RFPs and contract negotiations.
• Partner closely with HR, HRIS, Finance, and executive leadership to align benefits strategy with organizational priorities.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements to elevate benefits delivery and employee experience.
• Lead benefits communication strategy to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility for all employees.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex benefits issues; provide expert guidance to HR partners and leaders.
• Support broader Total Rewards initiatives, including wellness, employee experience, and organizational engagement efforts.

Qualifications (Must‑Haves)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field required, Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience managing benefits operations in a complex, multi‑site organization (healthcare strongly preferred)
• Proven leadership experience developing and motivating high‑performing teams.
• Deep expertise in plan design, evaluation, compliance, 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.
• Strong knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ERISA, IRS, DOL regulations, and healthcare reform.
• Experience working with HRIS systems and leading system/process enhancements.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder‑management, analytical, and project‑management skills.
• HR‑related certification preferred (e.g., CEBS, CBP)