Benefits Director

Hire-Authority; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking a Benefits Director in Houston to lead the strategic design and administration of employee benefits programs for a high-volume company. The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience in benefits management, including 5 years at a senior level, ensuring compliance with relevant laws such as ACA and ERISA. The role involves managing vendor relationships and optimizing benefits offerings to support a diverse workforce, promising a compelling compensation package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards.
• At least 5 years in a Senior Manager/Director level role.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. benefits laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee design and evaluation of benefit plans.
• Manage relationships with brokers and third-party administrators.

Skills

Strategic benefits design

Team management

Compliance with benefits laws

Data analysis

Vendor relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field

Master’s/MBA preferred

Job description

Benefits Director – Houston

Our client is searching for a Benefits Director for their headquarters located in Houston. This position leads the strategic design, implementation, and administration of the company’s employee benefits programs for a high-volume, multi-unit company. The role ensures that all benefit offerings are competitive, cost‑effective, compliant, and supportive of a diverse workforce that includes hourly employees and corporate staff.

Base Pay Range

$150,000.00/yr – $160,000.00/yr

Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Program Leadership

• Develop and lead the overall benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, workforce demographics, and industry trends.
• Oversee the design, evaluation, and optimization of benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness programs, and voluntary offerings.
• Ensure benefit plans are competitive within the market and drive retention and employee engagement.
• Lead benefits‑related RFPs, vendor evaluations, and plan redesign initiatives as needed.

Plan Administration & Operations

• Direct the administration of benefits programs for a large, geographically dispersed employee population.
• Oversee annual open enrollment, plan renewals, cost modeling, and communications.
• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, consultants, and third‑party administrators to ensure high‑quality service and effective plan performance.
• Maintain and update internal HR/benefits communication platforms to ensure employees have clear, accurate, and accessible benefit information.
• Ensure all required benefit notices, summaries, wrap documents, plan documents, and participant communications remain accurate, current, and compliant.
• Oversee monthly carrier billing, eligibility reconciliation, and resolution of discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate management and communication of benefit arrears, including employee understanding and appropriate payroll coordination.

Compliance, Leaves, and Accommodations

• Serve as an in‑house expert on ACA compliance, eligibility tracking, affordability, reporting, and measurement periods.
• Oversee and ensure consistent administration of leaves of absence (FMLA, state‑specific leaves, short‑term disability, etc.) and employee accommodations in accordance with ADA and applicable laws.
• Ensure full compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other federal and state regulations impacting benefits.
• Manage IRS penalty assessments related to benefits and ACA compliance, including research, response development, mitigation strategies, and communications with government entities.
• Coordinate and oversee all mandated annual and periodic compliance activities.
• Partner with brokers, legal counsel, and vendors to support compliance audits, regulatory inquiries, and government requests.
• Use data and analytics to evaluate plan performance, forecast costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement.
• Prepare executive‑level reports and present benefit recommendations to senior leadership.
• Develop and manage the benefits budget, ensuring cost control while maintaining high‑value offerings.
• Lead and mentor the benefits team, fostering a culture of customer service, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Payroll, Legal, and Operations partners to ensure seamless execution of benefit programs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on benefits trends, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field required; Master’s/MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, including at least 5 years in a Senior Manager/Director level role.
• Experience supporting large‑scale, high‑volume hourly workforces with multi‑unit experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. benefits laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, FMLA, HIPAA, and ADA.
• Proven experience managing benefits strategy, vendor relationships, plan design, and open enrollment cycles.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive informed recommendations.
• Demonstrated success influencing senior leadership and communicating complex benefit concepts in a clear, employee‑friendly way.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and commitment to employee service.

If you are interested in this position, please apply online or email your resume to [e-mail].