Strategic Director, Benefits & HR Operations

Mhskids; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Hershey School seeks a Senior Director of Benefits & Employment Services to provide strategic leadership over employee and retiree benefits, employment services, and HR shared services. This role reports to the Vice-President of Human Resources and focuses on competitive, financially sustainable programs and exceptional employee experience.

The leader will direct benefits strategy, HR operations, and shared services across MHS and CHS, ensuring compliance, risk management, and alignment

Qualifications

• 10+ years HR experience, including leadership of benefits and HR operations.
• Expertise in health, welfare, and retirement programs.
• Knowledge of benefits compliance, financial planning, vendor management, and risk management.
• Experience leading employment services or shared services.
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence across functions.
• Strong judgment, communication, analytical and relationship-building skills.
• Integrity and commitment to serving as a positive role model.

Responsibilities

• Lead health, welfare, retirement, disability, and wellness programs for employees and retirees.
• Drive benefits strategy, plan design, financial planning, cost forecasting, and utilization analysis.
• Manage broker and vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and performance.
• Evaluate benefits programs and recommend enhancements that strengthen competitiveness and financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and represent MHS in benefits-related union negotiations and grievances.
• Lead employment services and HR administrative functions, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant service delivery.
• Partner across HR to create an effective candidate-to-employee experience.
• Establish service standards, performance measures, and consistent processes.
• Streamline workflows and drive continuous improvement across HR operations.
• Oversee HR shared services supporting CHS, ensuring integration with payroll and benefits administration.
• Partner with MHS and CHS leaders to ensure accurate and efficient service delivery.
• Enhance shared services processes, accountability, and the employees’ experience.

Skills

Leadership

Benefits design

HR operations

Vendor management

Strategic thinking

Education

CEBS / SHRM-SCP

Job description

Milton Hershey School seeks a Senior Director of Benefits & Employment Services to provide strategic leadership over employee and retiree benefits, employment services, and HR shared services. This role reports to the Vice-President of Human Resources and focuses on competitive, financially sustainable programs and exceptional employee experience.

The leader will direct benefits strategy, HR operations, and shared services across MHS and CHS, ensuring compliance, risk management, and alignment