Director, Benefits – Americas Region (U.S., Canada, Costa Rica)

The Director, Benefits – Americas Region (U.S., Canada, Costa Rica) is located in Santa Clara, CA or Austin, TX (on-site, 5 days per week).

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Director, Global Benefits to develop and execute a comprehensive Americas benefits strategy aligned with the global Total Rewards philosophy and local market practice.

• Influence senior leadership on benefits initiatives that support talent attraction, retention, and engagement.

• Oversee administration of health (medical, dental, vision), retirement (401(k), deferred compensation), tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA), risk (life, AD&D, disability), paid time off, wellness, and leave of absence programs.

• Manage annual enrollment processes, ensuring accurate and timely execution across all benefits operations.

• Lead benefits due diligence and integration for M&A and divestiture activity.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA and ACA.

• Manage required filings (e.g., Form 5500), plan documents, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), and non-discrimination testing.

• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships to optimize cost, quality, and service delivery.

• Monitor benefits trends and market data to inform pricing, cost forecasting, and plan design decisions.

• Develop clear, engaging communications and support strategies that build employee understanding of benefits programs.

• Champion wellness initiatives, including onsite health and fitness centers, mental health resources, and financial well-being programs.

• Lead and develop a U.S.-based team of benefits professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

• CEBS designation a plus, not required.

• 10+ years in HR, including 5+ years in benefits leadership and 3+ years managing teams.

• Deep expertise in U.S. benefits and retirement plans (401(k) and deferred compensation); experience with Canadian and/or Costa Rican benefits preferred.

• Strong track record in the design, administration, and compliance of health & welfare, retirement, and leave of absence programs.

• Strategic thinker able to influence at all levels of the organization.

• Proven ability to lead teams and manage external vendor partnerships.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated vendor management and budget oversight experience.

• Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed environment and navigating ambiguity.

Preferred Experience

• High-tech industry background.

• Exposure to multi-national benefits management.