AVP, Head of Benefits

thehartford; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford is seeking an AVP, Head of Benefits to develop and execute a global benefits strategy that supports talent, business, and financial objectives. This leader will align programs with vendor partnerships and drive innovation across health, wellness, and retirement programs using modern technology and data analytics.

Reporting to the Head of Total Rewards, the AVP will lead governance, compliance, and the design and administration of benefit programs while fostering a culture of

Qualifications

• 15+ years of benefits leadership experience in large organizations.
• Experience developing enterprise-wide benefits strategies.
• Proven ability to lead transformations, technology implementations, and vendor management.
• Deep knowledge of benefits regulations, compliance, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global benefits strategy aligned with Total Rewards objectives.
• Lead benefits-related due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic transactions.
• Lead a high-performing team and govern benefits programs with accountability and innovation.
• Champion employee experience with clear communications and training on benefits.
• Leverage analytics and AI to continuously improve program effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; manage governance and reporting.

Skills

Benefits leadership

Strategic planning

Data analytics

Vendor management

AI in HR

Job description

AVP Benefits - HB05AE

We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals - and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.

The Assistant Vice President, Head of Benefits is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive global benefits strategy that supports the organization's talent, business, and financial objectives. This leader will align programs and vendor partnerships to that strategy while driving innovation across health, wellness, and retirement programs and enhancing the employee experience through modern technology, AI-enabled solutions, data analytics, and process simplification.

The AVP, Head of Benefits, serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, balancing employee needs, market competitiveness, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship. In this role, the AVP, Head of Benefits will lead the design, governance, administration, communication, and continuous evolution of benefit programs while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The AVP, Head of Benefits will report to the Head of Total Rewards, and will be based in our Hartford, CT or Chicago, IL office; candidates based in other locations may also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute a forward-looking global benefits strategy aligned with business priorities, workforce needs, and Total Rewards objectives, anticipating emerging workforce trends and evolving employee expectations to create innovative and differentiated offerings.
• Lead benefits-related due diligence, risk assessment, integration planning, and employee transition activities for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions.
• Lead a high-performing team, helping to clarify priorities, align resources to the work, and cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous development.
• Employee Experience & Innovation Champion a consumer-grade employee experience including communications and training that makes benefits easy to understand, access, and use.
• Leverage employee feedback, analytics, and market insights to continuously enhance program effectiveness and keep stakeholders well-informed.
• Drive thoughtful, innovative approaches to benefits delivery, including the use of AI and emerging technologies, which strengthen the employee experience, attraction, retention, and workforce performance.
• Governance, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as a fiduciary leader overseeing plan governance, audits, filings, vendor compliance, and regulatory reporting.
• Lead or support governance committees, including the preparation of committee materials, and ensure benefit plans are administered in accordance with plan documents and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong controls and operational discipline while balancing innovation and employee experience objectives.
• Financial Ownership & Vendor Strategy Manage multimillion-dollar benefits budgets and ensure effective stewardship of company and employee investments.
• Develop long-term strategies to improve cost effectiveness while maintaining competitive and meaningful benefits offerings.
• Lead vendor strategy, selection, negotiation, performance management, and governance processes, ensuring partnerships support the broader benefits strategy.
• Data & Insights Establish metrics and dashboards to measure program effectiveness, employee engagement, vendor performance, and financial outcomes.
• Translate complex data into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and governance committees.
• Monitor market trends and benchmark practices to maintain a competitive benefits portfolio.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive benefits leadership experience at a public company or large organization with 10K+ employees, including responsibility for health, welfare, and retirement programs.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise-wide benefits strategies.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale benefits transformations, technology implementations, and vendor management initiatives.
• Track record of leading benefits programs within a large, complex organization; international benefits experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience leading benefits due diligence, integration planning, and workforce transition activities in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, or other corporate transactions.
• Deep knowledge of employee benefits regulations, compliance requirements, and governance practices.
• Proven success managing significant budgets and complex vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI, automation, analytics, and digital technologies within Human Resources or Benefits functions.