Benefits Director

Benefits: Strategy & Program Leadership Develop and lead the overall benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, workforce demographics, and industry trends. Oversee the design, evaluation, and optimization of benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness programs, and voluntary offerings. Ensure benefit plans are competitive within the market and drive retention and employee engagement. Lead benefits‑related RFPs, vendor evaluations, and plan redesign initiatives as needed. Plan Administration & Operations Direct the administration of benefits programs for a large, geographically dispersed employee population. Oversee annual open enrollment, plan renewals, cost modeling, and communications. Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, consultants, and third‑party administrators to ensure high‑quality service and effective plan performance. Maintain and update internal HR/benefits communication platforms to ensure employees have clear, accurate, and accessible benefit information. Ensure all required benefit notices, summaries, wrap documents, plan documents, and participant communications remain accurate, current, and compliant. Oversee monthly carrier billing, eligibility reconciliation, and resolution of discrepancies. Ensure accurate management and communication of benefit arrears, including employee understanding and appropriate payroll coordination. Compliance, Leaves, and Accommodations Serve as an in‑house expert on ACA compliance, eligibility tracking, affordability, reporting, and measurement periods. Oversee and ensure consistent administration of leaves of absence (FMLA, state‑specific leaves, short‑term disability, etc.) and employee accommodations in accordance with ADA and applicable laws. Ensure full compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other federal and state regulations impacting benefits. Manage IRS penalty assessments related to benefits and ACA compliance, including research, response development, mitigation strategies, and communications with government entities. Coordinate and oversee all mandated annual and periodic compliance activities. Partner with brokers, legal counsel, and vendors to support compliance audits, regulatory inquiries, and government requests. Use data and analytics to evaluate plan performance, forecast costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement. Prepare executive‑level reports and present benefit recommendations to senior leadership. Develop and manage the benefits budget, ensuring cost control while maintaining high‑value offerings. Lead and mentor the benefits team, fostering a culture of customer service, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Collaborate closely with HR, Payroll, Legal, and Operations partners to ensure seamless execution of benefit programs. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on benefits trends, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field required; Master’s/MBA preferred.10+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, including at least 5 years in a Senior Manager/Director level role. Experience supporting large‑scale, high‑volume hourly workforces with multi‑unit experience strongly preferred. Proven experience managing and developing teams in a fast‑paced environment. Deep knowledge of U.S. benefits laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, FMLA, HIPAA, and ADA.Proven experience managing benefits strategy, vendor relationships, plan design, and open enrollment cycles. Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive informed recommendations. Demonstrated success influencing senior leadership and communicating complex benefit concepts in a clear, employee‑friendly way. High degree of integrity, discretion, and commitment to employee service. If you are interested in this position, please apply online or email your resume to jotto@hire-authority.com.