Director, Benefits

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the design, implementation, administration and communication of the benefit programs and the supervision of consulting firms, brokers, and trustees. Ensures all benefit programs are compliant with IRS and ERISA regulations.

The Director of Benefits is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s comprehensive benefits programs for a large, complex healthcare system. Reporting to the AVP of Total Rewards, this role leads a team of ten while providing direction across multiple members of the benefits team, managing vendor relationships, large budgets, plan design, compliance, RFPs, and day-to-day benefits administration. The ideal candidate brings deep hospital healthcare benefits experience, strong knowledge of benefits regulations, and the ability to think beyond traditional approaches to develop innovative solutions. Success in this role requires balancing strategic initiatives with operational execution, effectively communicating with executive leadership, and navigating a complex organizational structure while driving continuous improvement in the employee benefits experience.

Job Description

Desired Skills

• Strategic and innovative leader with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Executive presence with exceptional communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships.

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to lead multiple priorities.

• Financial and business acumen, including budget oversight and data-driven decision-making.

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

• Adaptable, collaborative, and results-oriented in a complex, fast-paced healthcare environment.

This hybrid, executive-facing role requires regular on-site presence in Houston. Ideal candidate is willing to relocate to the Houston area.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance or related discipline

Licenses/Certifications: Human Resources certification, such as Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• 10 years’ experience within Benefits operations with 5 of those years at a leadership level in a complex, integrated healthcare system 

• Expertise with benefits operations, including the implementation of financial and health and welfare benefit programs, administration and compliance of qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefit plans design and evaluation, and wellness initiatives

• Specific demonstrated expertise with self-insured health plans, 403(b) retirement plans, non-qualified retirement, pension plans and voluntary benefits 

• Experience preparing materials for board level committees and presenting to top senior executives about the benefits programs

• Strong understanding of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and the ongoing legislative changes to benefits plan design.

• Proven management skills and the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of professionals capable of achieving aggressive business goals and objectives

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and the ability to determine when escalation of issues is required

• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

• Critical thinking and problem resolution skills

• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential

Principal Accountabilities

• Designs, develops and administers a comprehensive benefit program which attracts and retain high-performing talent while effectively managing costs, service, external resources, vendors and legal compliance.

• Partners with Director of Compensation, Director of HR Technology and VP, Total Rewards to design and execute a cohesive Total Rewards program in alignment with MH business strategies. Directs and is ultimately responsible for the team of Benefits staff.

• Maintains relationships and cultivates new relationships with external consultants, actuaries and outsourcing service partners.

• Assures all company-sponsored plans, including their design and changes thereto, are in compliance with all relevant legal requirements and government regulations related to benefits administration (e.g. PPA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, DOL, IRS) and ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements.

• Evaluates and implements effective and accurate process as necessary to maintain efficiency of benefit delivery.

• Works collaboratively with Information Technology to design and develop system enhancements and new applications to deliver automated Benefits information and enrollment tools.

• Act as the liaison and primary resource for the Human Resource Service Center for escalated issues and process enhancements and improvements.

• Ensures effective and accurate benefit communications.

• Develops metrics to measure the ROI of benefit programs.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.