Job Description Summary:The Director, Benefits is responsible for the strategic leadership, design, governance, and execution of benefits programs across the Americas region. This role ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with the company's global total rewards philosophy.
The Director serves as a key advisor to senior leadership, partnering closely with Finance, People Business Partners, Legal, and external vendors to deliver a high-quality employee experience while effectively managing risk and cost. This role combines strategic oversight with operational excellence, leading a team that administers and continuously enhances health, welfare, and wellbeing programs.
- Lead the development and execution of the Americas benefits strategy aligned with global total rewards objectives.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on annual benefits design and cost management.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Americas benefits team.
- Ensure alignment with global Total Rewards strategy while addressing regional needs.
- Oversee design and administration of health and welfare programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits.
- Conduct benchmarking and evaluate market trends.
- Lead benefits harmonization for acquisitions and organizational changes.
- Manage benefits budgets and forecasts.
- Analyze claims and cost drivers to optimize spend.
- Develop dashboards and KPIs for leadership insight.
- Oversee brokers, consultants, TPAs, and vendor relationships.
- Negotiate contracts and service levels.
- Ensure governance and accountability.
- Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA and applicable regulations.
- Oversee audits and governance processes.
- Partner with Legal on regulatory changes.
- Lead benefits communications strategy.
- Ensure programs are inclusive and accessible.
- Manage escalated employee issues.
- Ensure operational excellence and system optimization.
- Partner with HRIS and IT on platform improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience and Qualifications - 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards.
- Experience leading benefits strategy across the Americas.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations.
- Strong financial and analytical skills.
- Experience managing vendors and complex programs.
- Experience with M&A integration preferred.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Workday or similar HRIS experience.
- Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field required.
- Advanced degree or CEBS/CBP preferred.
Annual salary range for this position is between $140,000.00 - $196,000.00 gross before taxes.
What Rocket Software can offer you in USA:- Unlimited Vacation Time as well as paid holidays and sick time
- Health and Wellness coverage options for Rocketeers and dependents
- Life and disability coverage
- Fidelity 401(k) and Roth Retirement Savings with matching contributions
- Monthly student debt benefit program
- Tuition Reimbursement and Certificate Reimbursement Program opportunities
- Leadership and skills training opportunities
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
