Director of Benefits

Leadership Role In Benefits Strategy And Administration

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 environmentintegrating 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