Director of Benefits Location: Indianapolis, IN
Company: Steak 'n Shake
Reports to: Vice President of Human Resources
About the Role Steak 'n Shake is seeking a
Director of Benefits to lead the strategy, administration, and execution of our benefits programs across a large, multi-state employee population. This role reports directly to the
Vice President of Human Resources, serves as a member of the
HR Leadership Team, and manages
one internal direct report.
This position is ideal for a benefits leader who enjoys both
strategic ownership and hands-on execution-someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while shaping programs that directly impact employees' lives.
Key Responsibilities Benefits Strategy & Administration - Own the design, delivery, and day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and voluntary benefits
- Evaluate benefit offerings regularly to ensure competitiveness, cost effectiveness, and alignment with company goals
Open Enrollment - Lead annual open enrollment from end to end, including planning, vendor coordination, communications, system setup, and post-enrollment reconciliation
- Ensure a smooth, accurate, and employee-friendly enrollment experience
Compliance & Governance - Oversee ACA compliance and reporting, including vendor coordination and regulatory deadlines
- Manage 401(k) retirement plan governance, including vendor oversight, audits, and fiduciary compliance
- Administer and ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws
- Maintain compliance across multiple states and jurisdictions
Vendor Management - Serve as primary point of contact for benefits brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and retirement plan vendors
- Lead renewals, RFPs, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance management
Operational Excellence & Leadership - Provide day-to-day leadership and development for one internal direct report
- Maintain accurate benefits data, documentation, and reporting
- Troubleshoot escalated employee issues and complex benefit cases
- Partner closely with HR leadership, finance, legal, and operations teams to improve processes, controls, and systems
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 7+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration and compliance
- Demonstrated ownership of open enrollment execution in a multi-state environment
- Strong working knowledge of ACA compliance and reporting
- Hands-on experience administering 401(k) retirement plans
- Practical experience with FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws
- Proven experience managing external vendors (brokers, carriers, TPAs)
- Ability and willingness to perform detailed, operational work in addition to strategic leadership
Preferred Qualifications - 10+ years of benefits experience, including leadership responsibility
- Experience supporting a large, distributed, hourly workforce across multiple states
- Prior experience in retail, hospitality, restaurant, or similarly complex operating environments
- Professional certifications such as CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or SPHR
- Experience leading benefits through periods of growth, change, or transformation
- Strong data, audit, and reporting orientation
Competencies & Work Style - Self-starter who works independently and takes ownership
- Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through
- Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- Comfortable getting "in the weeds" with day-to-day work-this is not a purely advisory role
- Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong judgment
Why Steak 'n Shake Steak 'n Shake offers the opportunity to lead benefits in a highly visible, impactful role within the HR organization. As a member of the
HR Leadership Team, you will help shape programs that directly affect employees across the country while partnering closely with senior leadership.
