Director, Benefits

Our client is looking for a Director of Benefits located in Houston, TX (Hybrid).

As the Director of Benefits, you will oversee the strategic design, implementation, and administration of all benefit programs. You will ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, manage relationships with external partners, and lead a team responsible for delivering high‑quality benefits operations.

You will collaborate closely with Compensation, HRIS, and executive leadership to align benefits strategy with organizational goals, optimize plan performance, and enhance the employee experience. You will also drive process improvements, guide communication efforts, and establish metrics to measure program effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and administration of retirement, health & welfare, wellness, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Partner with Compensation, HRIS, and senior leadership to support a cohesive Total Rewards framework.
• Direct and develop the Benefits team to ensure operational excellence and service quality.
• Manage vendor relationships, including consultants, actuaries, brokers, and third‑party administrators.
• Ensure all plans comply with ERISA, IRS, DOL, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee plan reporting, audits, disclosures, and documentation.
• Evaluate and improve processes to increase accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Collaborate with HRIS/IT to enhance systems, automation, and self‑service tools.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues.
• Lead benefit communication strategy and ensure clarity and alignment with plan design.
• Develop and analyze metrics to measure ROI and program impact.
• Support organizational culture through mentoring, professional development, and service excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience leading benefits operations within a large, complex organization or multi‑divisional company.
• Experience administering qualified retirement plans and health & welfare programs, including design, compliance, implementation, and vendor oversight.
• Experience with HRIS databases.
• Experience with COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ERISA, IRS, DOL, and healthcare reform compliance.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and prioritization skills with high attention to detail.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Professional HR certifications such as CEBS or CBP.
• Experience managing relationships with consultants, actuaries, brokers, and third‑party administrators.
• Experience developing and implementing wellness programs.
• Ability to lead process improvements, measure program ROI, and optimize benefit delivery.
• Strong computer skills and ability to collaborate with HRIS/IT on system enhancements and automation.

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