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Job Description
A collaborative, team-oriented engineering company is seeking a Director of Benefits to provide strategic leadership, design, and oversight of the organization's global health, welfare, and leave programs. The ideal candidate is a seasoned benefits leader with deep expertise in self-funded health plan management, regulatory compliance, and vendor strategy. Reporting to senior HR leadership, the new hire will drive cost-effective, employee-centered benefits solutions aligned with organizational goals and support a large, diverse workforce. Salary +
Additional Benefits:
$155,000-$202,000 STIP and LTIP Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance 401
K Plan Location:
Houston, TX (Galleria) –
Onsite Type of Position:
Direct Hire Responsibilities:
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. Implement, execute, administer, and analyze benefit plans and designs set by executive leadership. 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). 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. 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. 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. Design and oversee employee recognition and wellness initiatives that support engagement and retention. Align recognition programs with broader total rewards philosophy. 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. 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.
Requirements:
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 Deep expertise in self-funded health plan design and administration Strong understanding of federal and state benefits and leave regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA) Experience managing self-funded health plans in large organizations UKG experience required Knowledge of benefits systems, HRIS platforms, and data analytics tools Advanced analytical and financial acumen (claims analysis, forecasting, budgeting) Strong negotiation, vendor management, and project management capabilities Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentation Experience in a publicly traded company environment preferred Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP/SCP) strongly preferred Travel up to 25% may be required #LI-DNI
