Exempt Director of Benefits

Hybrid Details: Houston, TX - Hybrid



Duration: 3 months to start



Job Description:

Role Overview:
This engagement is intended to provide senior-level benefits leadership coverage with expertise spanning the full spectrum of benefits administration. The individual must be capable of operating at a director-level strategic capacity, engaging directly with executive leadership while also managing operational elements of the benefits portfolio.


10 years experience managing benefits operations encompassing the implementation of benefit programs, administration and compliance of qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefit plans and wellness initiatives in a complex integrated healthcare system or multi-divisional company



Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Business, HR Management or related discipline
• Masters degree preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certification in HR-related area preferred, e.g. Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

The expectation is that the contractor can step in quickly, assess the current benefits landscape, and support ongoing initiatives and vendor relationships without significant ramp-up time.



Core Experience Required (Must-Haves):

Comprehensive Benefits Expertise

• The candidate must have broad benefits leadership experience across both major benefit categories:
  • Health & Welfare
    • Medical, dental, vision programs
    • Health plan strategy and administration
    • Vendor management and compliance oversight
  • Financial Benefits
    • Retirement programs (401k / pension plans)
    • Financial wellness programs
    • Deferred compensation or other financial benefit structures
• Candidates should demonstrate experience integrating these benefits into a cohesive total rewards strategy.

Executive Presence

• The individual must be comfortable:
  • Presenting to senior leaders and executive stakeholders
  • Leading strategic discussions related to benefits structure, cost management, and vendor performance
  • Representing the benefits function in cross-functional leadership forums
• This role will require someone who can lead conversations, not just participate in them.

Healthcare Industry Experience

• Strong preference for candidates with experience in:
  • Healthcare systems
  • Large or complex organizations
• Healthcare experience is important due to the complexity of benefit structures, workforce size, and regulatory considerations.

RFP Leadership Experience

• The candidate must have direct experience managing complex benefits RFP processes, including:
  • Vendor selection strategy
  • Evaluation frameworks
  • Cross-functional stakeholder alignment
  • Negotiation and implementation support
• This experience is critical given the scale and vendor complexity associated with benefits programs in large health systems.

Annual Enrollment Expertise

• Candidates must have demonstrated experience managing the full lifecycle of annual enrollment, including:
  • Communication strategy
  • Employee engagement campaigns
  • Benefits technology platforms
  • Enrollment administration
  • Post-enrollment auditing and reconciliation
• The individual should be able to evaluate and support improvements to the annual enrollment process if needed.

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