Director of Benefits

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
• 401K 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