Director of Benefits

Director of Benefits

Steak 'n Shake is seeking a Director of Benefits to lead the strategy, administration, and execution of our benefits programs across a large, multi-state employee population. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Human Resources, serves as a member of the HR Leadership Team, and manages one internal direct report.

This position is ideal for a benefits leader who enjoys both strategic ownership and hands-on execution—someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while shaping programs that directly impact employees' lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Strategy & Administration
• Open Enrollment
• Compliance & Governance
• Vendor Management
• Operational Excellence & Leadership

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration and compliance
• Demonstrated ownership of open enrollment execution in a multi-state environment
• Strong working knowledge of ACA compliance and reporting
• Hands-on experience administering 401(k) retirement plans
• Practical experience with FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws
• Proven experience managing external vendors (brokers, carriers, TPAs)
• Ability and willingness to perform detailed, operational work in addition to strategic leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of benefits experience, including leadership responsibility
• Experience supporting a large, distributed, hourly workforce across multiple states
• Prior experience in retail, hospitality, restaurant, or similarly complex operating environments
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or SPHR
• Experience leading benefits through periods of growth, change, or transformation
• Strong data, audit, and reporting orientation

Competencies & Work Style

• Self-starter who works independently and takes ownership
• Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through
• Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Comfortable getting "in the weeds" with day-to-day work—this is not a purely advisory role
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong judgment

Why Steak 'n Shake

Steak 'n Shake offers the opportunity to lead benefits in a highly visible, impactful role within the HR organization. As a member of the HR Leadership Team, you will help shape programs that directly affect employees across the country while partnering closely with senior leadership.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility. We run background checks on all new hires in this position.