Director of Benefits

Join a Team That Invests in PeopleAt Meritus, our commitment to caring extends beyond our patients and community—it includes our team members and their families. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director of Benefits to lead the development and administration of our comprehensive benefits programs and help shape the future of employee wellbeing across our organization.As a key member of the Human Resources leadership team, you will oversee the strategy, design, implementation, and administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and other employee benefits. You will work closely with executive leadership, vendors, and HR partners to ensure our programs support employee engagement, organizational goals, and a best-in-class employee experience.What You'll DoLead Benefits Strategy & Program DesignDevelop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that supports employee wellbeing, retention, and organizational growthDesign and manage health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and leave programsEvaluate market trends and benchmark programs to ensure competitiveness and valueIdentify opportunities to enhance employee experience while managing costs and maximizing return on investmentDrive Employee WellbeingBuild and advance a holistic wellbeing strategy focused on physical, emotional, financial, and social healthPartner with internal stakeholders to promote benefits utilization and employee engagementLead benefits education and communication initiatives to ensure employees understand and appreciate available resourcesManage Vendor Relationships & Benefits OperationsOversee relationships with brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administratorsLead vendor selection, contract negotiations, performance management, and annual renewalsEnsure efficient administration and delivery of all benefits programsMonitor service levels and continuously improve operational effectivenessEnsure Compliance & GovernanceMaintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and related benefit lawsPartner with Legal, Compliance, Finance, and HR leaders on audits, reporting, and governance initiativesEnsure accurate plan documentation, filings, and regulatory reportingLeverage Data & AnalyticsUtilize HRIS systems and benefits analytics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify trendsDevelop executive-level reporting and recommendations to support strategic decision-makingAnalyze participation, utilization, and cost data to guide future program enhancementsProvide Leadership & PartnershipLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits teamServe as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR business partners, and organizational stakeholdersCollaborate with Compensation, Talent Acquisition, and Workforce Planning teams to support an integrated total rewards strategyWhat You BringRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field8+ years of progressive benefits leadership experience, including oversight of large-scale employee benefit programsDemonstrated experience managing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and leave administrationStrong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other benefits-related regulationsExperience leading vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and benefits strategyPreferred QualificationsHealthcare, hospital, or health system experience preferredMaster's degree in a related fieldProfessional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar credentialsKey StrengthsStrategic thinker with strong business acumen and operational excellenceDeep expertise in employee benefits and wellbeing program designData-driven decision maker with strong analytical skillsExceptional communication and stakeholder management abilitiesProven ability to influence and partner effectively with executive leadershipPassion for creating programs that improve employee wellbeing and organizational successCaring for Our Team We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.Happy to Help At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help. Job SummaryRequisition Number: DIREC014890Job Category: Human ResourcesSchedule: Full-Time