Your opportunity

Director of Benefits

Overview

The Director of Benefits is responsible for the overarching strategy, design, administration, and evaluation of employee benefits programs. Reporting to Managing Director, Total Rewards, this role shapes the company’s competitive advantage by developing innovative, cost-effective, and employee-centric benefits solutions to attract, retain, and engage top talent. The Director of Benefits ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, aligns benefits philosophy with organizational goals, and fosters a culture of wellbeing.

The position will be based at the corporate headquarters in the DFW area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the long-term vision, mission, and philosophy for employee benefits supporting the company’s business strategy and values.
• Lead cross-functional teams to innovate and evolve benefits offerings in response to market trends, workforce demographics, and business needs.
• Serve as a thought leader, advising executive leadership on emerging issues, legislative changes, and strategic risks related to employee benefits.

Benefits Program Design and Management:

• Oversee the design, administration, and optimization of all employee benefits programs, including health & wellness, retirement, leave policies, voluntary benefits, and executive compensation packages.
• Evaluate and continually improve the effectiveness, competitiveness, and ROI of benefit plans through benchmarking, analytics, and employee feedback.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external partners, vendors, brokers, and consultants to secure best-in-class benefits offerings and manage vendor performance.
• Collaborate closely with other HR functions, finance, legal, and business unit leaders to ensure the strategic alignment and integration of benefits programs.

Financial Management:

• Direct the budgeting, forecasting, and cost management of benefits programs, ensuring alignment with financial goals and prudent stewardship of corporate resources.
• Monitor benefit plan expenditures and recommend cost-containment strategies without compromising quality or compliance.
• Prepare regular reports and executive summaries on benefits utilization, trends, and financial impact.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure all benefit plans comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS guidelines), as well as company policies and ethical standards.
• Oversee audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions related to benefits administration.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and documentation to support robust governance and business continuity.

Employee Experience and Engagement:

• Champion a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and empowerment through innovative benefits solutions and communications.
• Lead the development and delivery of education, communication, and support resources maximizing employee understanding, engagement, and satisfaction with benefits programs.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex employee benefits issues and provide expert guidance to HR, managers, and employees.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Promote professional growth through training, coaching, and access to industry best practices and thought leadership.
• Establish clear goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive team success and operational excellence.

What you have

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits, compensation, or total rewards, with at least 5 years in a managerial or executive role.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and managing large-scale benefits programs for complex, multi-state or global organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting benefits administration and compliance.
• Proven track record of strategic leadership, change management, and financial acumen
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Experience with HRIS, benefits administration technology, and data analytics.
• Commitment to employee wellbeing.

Key Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Strategic Vision: Ability to anticipate future trends and translate them into actionable benefits strategies.
• Analytical Thinking: Skilled at interpreting data, evaluating program effectiveness, and making evidence-based recommendations.
• Leadership: Proven ability to motivate teams, drive results, and inspire confidence among stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to distill complex concepts and communicate with clarity, empathy, and influence.
• Innovation: Passion for exploring new ideas, technologies, and approaches to enhance employee wellbeing and engagement.
• Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities.

Performance Metrics

• Employee satisfaction and engagement with benefits offerings
• Cost management and ROI of benefits programs
• Compliance with regulatory and internal requirements
• Quality and timeliness of benefits communications
• Team performance and professional development
• Innovation in program design and administration