Director, Benefits

Location: Hedwig Village, TX Salary: $160,000.00 USD Annually - $200,000.00 USD Annually Director, Benefits & Total Rewards Location: Houston, TX (or applicable location) Employment Type: Full-Time Department: Human Resources – Total Rewards Position Summary We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Benefits & Total Rewards to lead the design, implementation, administration, and compliance of enterprise-wide benefits programs. This role is responsible for developing competitive and cost-effective benefit strategies that attract, retain, and engage top talent while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence. The Director will partner closely with senior HR leadership, Compensation, HRIS, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards strategy aligned with organizational goals. The successful candidate will lead a team of benefits professionals and serve as the subject matter expert for all benefits-related initiatives across the organization. Key ResponsibilitiesBenefits Strategy & Program Management Design, develop, implement, and administer best-in-class employee benefit programs, including: Medical, dental, and vision plans Retirement programs (401(k), 403(b), pension, and non-qualified plans) Life and AD&D insurance Short-term disability and leave-related benefits Voluntary benefit offerings Employee wellness initiatives Evaluate benefit plan effectiveness and market competitiveness while balancing employee needs and organizational costs. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and ROI metrics for benefits programs. Leadership & Partnership Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Benefits team. Partner with senior HR leadership, Compensation, HRIS, and business leaders to develop a cohesive Total Rewards strategy. Serve as the primary escalation point for complex employee benefits issues. Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, brokers, actuaries, carriers, and third-party administrators. Compliance & Governance Ensure all benefit plans comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including: ERISA HIPAA COBRA FMLA IRS and Department of Labor requirements Healthcare reform legislation Oversee benefit plan documentation, reporting, disclosures, audits, and regulatory filings. Monitor legislative changes and recommend plan modifications as needed. Operations & Systems Management Drive continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance benefit delivery and employee experience. Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to implement system enhancements, automate processes, and improve enrollment tools. Ensure accuracy and effectiveness of benefit communications and employee education programs. Manage vendor performance, contracts, and service-level agreements. Organizational Excellence Support organizational goals through effective planning, budgeting, quality management, and productivity improvements. Promote employee development through mentoring, coaching, and professional growth opportunities. Foster a culture of service excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred. Certifications Professional certification preferred, such as: Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP SPHR/PHR Experience Minimum of 10 years of progressive benefits management experience within a large, complex organization, healthcare system, or multi-divisional company. Demonstrated experience managing: Health and welfare benefit plans Qualified and non-qualified retirement plans Wellness programs Benefits compliance and administration Prior experience working with HRIS platforms and benefits technology solutions. Proven success leading and developing teams while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience within a healthcare system or highly regulated industry. Wellness program design and implementation experience. Strong project management and vendor management expertise. Experience leading benefits-related systems implementations or upgrades. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Deep knowledge of benefits plan design, administration, and compliance. Strong understanding of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and leave management programs. Expertise in federal benefits regulations and reporting requirements. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.Strong attention to detail and follow-through. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives across the organization. Advanced proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and benefits administration platforms. Why Join Us? This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the employee experience by leading innovative benefits and Total Rewards programs within a mission-driven organization. You will work alongside executive leadership to shape strategies that support employee wellbeing, organizational performance, and long-term growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr