Position SummaryThe Director of Benefits provides strategic leadership, design, and oversight of the organization's global health, welfare, and leave programs. This role is responsible for managing a complex self-funded medical plan, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing employee experience, and aligning benefits strategy with business objectives. The Director will lead innovation in total rewards programs, drive cost-effective solutions, and oversee systems, vendors, and internal processes to support a large, diverse workforce.
ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Program Design
- Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals, workforce needs, and market competitiveness.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits.
- Evaluate emerging trends and innovations in benefits to enhance employee value proposition and cost management.
Self-Funded Health Plan Management
- Oversee administration and performance of the company's self-funded medical plan, including plan design, funding strategy, and risk management.
- Partner with actuaries, consultants, and vendors to analyze claims data, forecast costs, and implement cost-containment strategies.
- Ensure optimal vendor performance (TPAs, PBMs, stop-loss carriers, wellness providers).
Health & Welfare Benefits Administration
- Direct day-to-day operations of all health and welfare programs.
- Ensure seamless delivery of benefits through effective vendor management and internal coordination.
- Drive employee engagement and education related to benefits offerings.
Leave of Absence & Compliance
- Oversee all leave programs including FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave laws, paid family leave, and company-sponsored leave policies.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related requirements.
- Maintain expertise in multi-state leave laws and ensure consistent application across jurisdictions.
Systems & Technology Oversight
- Lead benefits systems strategy, configuration, integration, and ongoing maintenance (e.g., HRIS, benefits administration platforms).
- Ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and system optimization.
- Partner with HRIS and IT teams on enhancements, implementations, and troubleshooting.
Rewards & Recognition Programs
- Design and oversee employee recognition and wellness initiatives that support engagement and retention.
- Align recognition programs with broader total rewards philosophy.
Financial & Vendor Management
- Develop and manage multi-million-dollar benefits budgets.
- Lead RFP processes, contract negotiations, and vendor performance reviews.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop a high-performing benefits team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.
Other work duties as assigned.
RequirementsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge- Deep expertise in self-funded health plan design and administration.
- Strong understanding of federal and state benefits and leave regulations.
- Knowledge of benefits systems, HRIS platforms, and data analytics tools.
- Familiarity with public company governance and reporting considerations.
Skills- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Advanced analytical and financial acumen (claims analysis, forecasting, budgeting).
- Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
- Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentation.
- Project management and change management expertise.
Abilities- Ability to lead complex, large-scale benefits programs across diverse populations.
- Capability to balance cost control with employee experience.
- Strong decision-making skills in a fast-paced, evolving regulatory environment.
- Ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational alignment.
EDUCATION: - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
- Master's degree (MBA or related) preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive benefits experience, including leadership roles.
- UKG experience required.
- Experience managing self-funded health plans in large organizations.
- Experience in a publicly traded company environment preferred.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP/SCP) strongly preferred.
Benefits- Competitive Salary
- Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance
- 401K Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
Working Conditions- Based in Galleria Houston Office.
- Fast-paced, collaborative corporate environment with cross-functional interaction.
- Travel may be required 25%
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS: - Primarily a sedentary role involving extended periods of sitting and computer use.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and virtual platforms.
- Occasional travel may be required (5-10%).
- Ability to attend on-site meetings in a hybrid work environment.
Company Overview 
