Strategic Benefits & Payroll Leader

Husch Blackwell; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Husch Blackwell LLP is seeking an Associate Director of Benefits & Payroll to lead design, implementation, and ongoing management of health and welfare programs, retirement plans, and payroll across multiple jurisdictions.

The role reports to the Senior Director of HR Operations & Total Rewards and partners with brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and optimal employee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or a related field.
• CEBS, CPP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in benefits, payroll and/or Total Rewards.
• Experience in a large law firm or other professional services organization.
• Experience leading teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Significant experience administering employer-sponsored health and welfare benefit programs.
• Experience supporting qualified retirement plans and retirement plan governance.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-state payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of applicable payroll, benefits and retirement regulations, including ERISA, IRS, DOL, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and state-specific wage and hour regulations.
• Proven experience managing broker and vendor relationships, overseeing annual plan audits, and serving on fiduciary committees.
• Broad understanding of compensation principles and their interaction with payroll, benefits and retirement administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of health, welfare, and ancillary benefit programs.
• Serve as a standing member of the firm’s Healthcare Committee, contributing to plan oversight and fiduciary governance.
• Partner with brokers, consultants, and vendors across benefit domains including health, welfare, retirement, and well-being.
• Oversee compliance with ERISA, IRS, DOL, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA requirements.
• Manage annual plan renewals, vendor evaluations, and RFP processes.
• Direct and participate in annual audits and compliance reviews for health and retirement plans.
• Monitor benefits trends and benchmark data to inform plan design and cost optimization.
• Develop and maintain employee communications and educational resources related to benefits.
• Monitor program performance and identify opportunities to improve employee experience and efficiency.
• Oversee retirement programs governance and communications.
• Monitor regulatory developments affecting retirement plans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/Finance

Tools

UKG Pro

Job description

Husch Blackwell LLP is seeking an Associate Director of Benefits & Payroll to lead design, implementation, and ongoing management of health and welfare programs, retirement plans, and payroll across multiple jurisdictions.

The role reports to the Senior Director of HR Operations & Total Rewards and partners with brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and optimal employee experience.