Benefits Strategy Lead (Hybrid – Columbia)

The Farm Credit System; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Farm Credit System is seeking a Benefits Strategist to design and manage employee benefits programs across associations, ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with client needs. This role collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to deliver competitive, high-quality benefits solutions.

You will lead vendor negotiations, analyze market trends, and work with HR, Finance, and Compliance to optimize coverage and costs while staying current with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in benefits program management, ideally in a multi-employer or service provider environment.
• CEBS or equivalent certification in benefits administration strongly preferred.
• Deep expertise in benefits compliance, vendor management, and program design.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for engaging vendors and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute benefits program strategy and design, ensuring competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage vendor, broker, and carrier relationships, including performance reviews and contract negotiations.
• Lead annual benefits plan reviews, assessing coverage options and identifying cost-management opportunities.
• Analyze market trends to maintain adaptive and attractive benefits offerings.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (Benefits team, HR, Finance, Compliance) to align benefits with organizational needs.
• Provide expert guidance on benefits utilization, regulatory updates, and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, HIPAA, IRS).
• Conduct audits and proactively adjust programs in response to legislative changes.
• Monitor and report on program performance, delivering insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Support special projects and continuous learning to stay current on industry practices and policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

CEBS or equivalent certification

Job description

The Farm Credit System is seeking a Benefits Strategist to design and manage employee benefits programs across associations, ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with client needs. This role collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to deliver competitive, high-quality benefits solutions.

You will lead vendor negotiations, analyze market trends, and work with HR, Finance, and Compliance to optimize coverage and costs while staying current with regulatory requirements.