Job Description: The Opportunity:The Director, Health and Welfare is a strategic program leader responsible for driving the vision, direction and continuous optimization of Sunlife's US health and welfare and leave of absence programs. This role requires deep analytical capabilities to translate complex data into actionable insights, independent judgement to develop forward-thinking program strategies, and strong people leadership to build and mentor a high-performing team. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires the ability to move seamlessly between setting strategy and rolling up your sleeves to develop analyses, solve problems, create deliverables and drive work through execution.
The Director will champion innovation and operational excellence, leveraging best practices and emerging technologies to deliver measurable business results while enhancing the employee experience.
What you will do:- As a member of the Total Benefits Leadership team, drive the strategic direction of Sunlife's health and welfare, wellness and leave of absence programs, aligning with overall business objectives and long-term organizational goals.
- Drive innovation in health, welfare, wellness and leave of absence programs by identifying emerging trends, evaluating emerging solutions, and proactively recommending transformative changes that enhance the employee experience while delivering measurable ROI.
- Lead data-driven decision-making by developing meaningful analytics, translating complex data into strategic insights and actionable recommendations that optimize program design, reduce costs, and improve employee outcomes.
- Independently develop high quality presentations and business cases that communicate complex benefits concepts clearly to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
- Cultivate and manage partnerships with key vendors, negotiate contracts and drive continuous improvement in service delivery and cost management.
- Collaborate with senior leadership, including finance and actuarial teams, to develop forward-looking pricing models and contribution strategies that balance employee needs with financial objectives.
- Build and cultivate a high performing team by providing coaching, continuous feedback, knowledge sharing, and targeted development opportunities.
- Champion continuous improvement and process optimization by identifying operational inefficiencies, designing and implementing streamlined processes, and leveraging emerging technologies and tools to increase team productivity and reduce manual work.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to promote health and welfare programs and drive engagement.
- Ensure health and welfare plans are compliant with all federal laws (including ERISA, COBRA, and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) as well as applicable state and local regulations.
- Partner with Ireland Business Group to share guidance, provide support and benefits subject matter expertise.
- Lead large-scale projects and change initiatives with a focus on stakeholder engagement, seamless integration, risk management and operational excellence
- Proactively stay current on industry best practices, legislation and periodic market evaluations, to ensure programs are optimized and compliant and competitively positioned.
- Manage program integrations of acquired companies
What you need:- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
- 10+ years of experience managing employee benefits for complex mid-size to large organizations, with a strong focus on innovative solutions, employee experience and financial management
- Proven ability to effectively lead and develop team
- Deep expertise and experience in the design, administration and implementation of health and welfare plans
- Experience with mergers and acquisitions a plus
- Solid knowledge and understanding of HR programs and connections
- Knowledge of leave processes (short-term and long-term disability, FMLA, state leaves, work accommodations) and benefits compliance
- Strong decision-making and organizational skills
- Action-oriented, focused on execution, improving employees' experience through continuous improvement, and operational excellence
- Excellent interpersonal/communications skills
- Skilled in stakeholder management, as well as proven ability to build and facilitate relationships and influence others at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
- Excellent project management and planning skills including the ability to lead, plan, and organize complex assignments
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, with particular strength in Excel and PowerPoint, including the ability to independently conduct complex analyses and develop high-quality, executive-ready presentations. Experience using Microsoft Copilot is a plus.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and problem solve complex issues
- Ability to work well independently or collaboratively as needed and succeed in a fast paced, fluid environment
At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions. Salary Range: $145,000 - $217,500
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Job Category: Human Resources
Posting End Date: 20/11/2026
