Director of Benefits Decision

HR - 2.4

Saint Petersburg, FL Job Details 12 hours ago Benefits Health savings account Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Vision insurance Qualifications Affordable Care Act (ACA) Cost management Financial model construction Financial model development HIPAA Financial client presentations Bachelor's degree Cost analysis Healthcare privacy protection Client management Vendor relationship management Health information regulatory compliance Cost reduction analysis Regulatory compliance analysis Life & Health Insurance License Negotiated pricing Senior leadership Full Job Description

COMPANY VALUE STATEMENTS

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Benefits is responsible for setting and executing DecisionHR's short and long-term benefits strategy while providing executive oversight of the daily operations, compliance, and client experience of the Benefits division. This leader owns master plan design, renewal, and compliance; drives the development of competitive, cost-effective benefit packages for DecisionHR's small to mid-size employer clients; and builds and maintains the carrier and underwriter relationships that support plan quality and margin performance. The Director of Benefits leads two parallel teams within the Benefits division: the Benefits Operations team (overseen through the Benefits Operations Manager) and the Benefits Account Management team (Benefits Account Manager I and II, Senior/Major Account Manager, and the Benefits and ACA Compliance Project Lead). The Director partners with the VP of Products and Services on strategic growth priorities and ensures the full division operates at the highest standard of compliance, innovation, and client service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Benefits Strategy & Plan Design Develop and drive DecisionHR's short and long-term benefits strategy, including master plan design, structure, and competitive positioning across medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, FSA, STD, LTD, 401(k), and voluntary benefit lines. Direct the design, implementation, and annual renewal of DecisionHR master plans and client-sponsored benefit plans; ensure plan structures are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with client workforce needs. Lead the identification, development, and implementation of innovative solutions for health and welfare, wellness, retirement, and life and disability plans for PEO clients. Stay current on emerging benefits trends, innovative plan designs, and legislative developments; review and analyze existing and proposed law and policy governing benefits and recommend courses of action to leadership. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight Maintain full command of health and welfare plan compliance and reporting requirements including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, PPACA, ERISA, and applicable state-level regulations. Ensure DecisionHR master plans and all client-administered plans remain in compliance with applicable federal and state law; proactively identify and address compliance risks. Oversee accounts payable, billing reconciliations, and audits for DecisionHR master plans and DecisionHR-administered client-sponsored plans. Oversee COBRA administration, commission management, carrier billings, and refund processes. Oversee 401(k) plan compliance and administration. Carrier & Vendor Relationship Management Establish and maintain strategic relationships with insurance carriers, underwriters, brokers, and benefits vendors; negotiate plan terms, rates, and service levels to support client satisfaction and margin objectives. Monitor implementation of benefits technology, file feeds to carriers and vendors, and integration accuracy. Partner with strategic business partners and vendors to develop and evaluate alternative benefit arrangements and funding strategies. Client Partnership & Open Enrollment Partner with, consult, and guide clients in making effective and compliant health, dental, vision, voluntary, and disability benefit decisions tailored to their employee populations. Lead all client-facing and worksite-employee-facing aspects of annual healthcare open enrollment, including strategy, communications, presentations, and execution. Provide oversight and leadership to the Benefits Account Management team as they prepare client renewals, new business strategy, proposals, and presentations; ensure all deliverables are aligned with client requirements and DecisionHR standards. Oversee new client benefits onboarding to ensure a seamless, accurate, and well-communicated transition. Financial Strategy & Margin Management Partner with the VP of Products and Services on strategic decisions to enhance margins within the Benefits division; apply strong analytical and financial modeling skills to evaluate plan performance, utilization trends, and cost-containment opportunities. Lead funding analysis across fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded arrangements; present financial recommendations to executive leadership and client contacts. Identify opportunities to improve cost-effectiveness and profitability across the benefits book of business without compromising plan quality or client satisfaction. Team Leadership & Development Lead, develop, and manage the full Benefits division including the Benefits Operations Manager, Benefits Sales/Implementation Manager, Benefits Account Manager I and II, Senior/Major Account Manager, and Benefits and ACA Compliance Project Lead. Set team priorities, performance standards, and development goals across both the Operations and Account Management tracks; provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and mentorship to build a high-performing benefits organization. Foster a culture of accuracy, compliance, accountability, and exceptional client service across the Benefits division. Follow company policies and procedures required to comply with applicable data privacy and confidentiality requirements, including but not limited to SOC controls and HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) required; field of study in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related discipline preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic benefits planning and management. 5+ years of benefits experience with an insurance agency or carrier, PEO, or benefits consulting firm. Active Florida 2-15 Health and Life Agent License required. Comprehensive knowledge of health and welfare plan compliance and reporting requirements including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, PPACA, and ERISA. Demonstrated ability to lead executive-level client conversations and present complex financial and plan recommendations to C-suite contacts. Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; experience with funding analysis, claims review, and cost-containment strategy. Proven negotiation and problem-solving skills in carrier and vendor relationships. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal and relationship management abilities.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or equivalent professional designation. Graduate degree in Business, Finance, or a related field. In-depth knowledge of PEO benefit plan structures, master plans, and client-sponsored plan administration. Experience with level-funded, self-funded, captive, and alternative funding arrangements. Experience leading benefits technology implementations and carrier file feed integrations.