HR Director Total Rewards

Summary: The Director of Total Rewards is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the organization's employee benefits, retirement, wellness, recognition, and leave programs. This role ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals while supporting employee engagement and retention. The Director serves as the organization's subject matter expert for benefits administration, vendor management, regulatory compliance, annual enrollment, and year-end benefits processes. The role partners closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, and business leaders to deliver an exceptional employee experience through comprehensive and effective benefit offerings. The Director of Total Rewards will work on-site in Northwest Arkansas. Core Functions: Develop and execute a total rewards strategy focused on employee benefits, wellness, retirement, recognition, and leave programs that align with organizational goals and employee needs. Lead the design, administration, and evaluation of health and welfare benefit programs, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave programs, employee assistance programs, and recognition programs. Oversee benefits administration and vendor partnerships, negotiating contracts and ensuring service excellence, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Direct the annual open enrollment process, including planning, employee communications, system administration, vendor coordination, and implementation. Lead year-end benefits activities, including annual plan renewals, benefit audits, compliance reporting, benefit reconciliations, vendor evaluations, and employee communications. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefit and retirement programs, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other related laws. Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate benefit deductions, funding, reporting, and year-end processing activities. Communicate benefits and total rewards programs clearly and effectively through employee education, training materials, presentations, and ongoing support. Analyze benefits utilization, program costs, employee feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations to leadership. Continuously evaluate program effectiveness, recommending and implementing enhancements that improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor benefit expenses, and identify cost containment opportunities while maintaining competitive offerings. Prepare and present reports, analyses, and recommendations regarding benefits performance, vendor effectiveness, compliance, and employee participation. Contribute to the overall success of the Human Resources function through collaboration, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. Performs other duties and activities related to the department as necessary to support overall operations and responsibilities, even if not specifically listed above. Key Measures of Success: Successfully develops and manages competitive benefits, retirement, wellness, and recognition programs that support employee attraction, engagement, and retention. Leads annual open enrollment, year-end benefits administration, plan renewals, and regulatory reporting with accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. Maintains effective relationships with brokers and vendors, ensuring high service levels, cost management, and continuous program improvement. Provides meaningful benefits analytics, reporting, and strategic recommendations that support organizational objectives and employee experience. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefit and retirement programs. Consistently exhibits and displays the company’s values of “Own It. Can Do. Act in Love.” Own It – Commitment to customer, company, and each other. Can Do – Team Player