Director of Benefits
About the role
Company Value Statements: Choose Your Attitude, Make Someone's Day, Be Present, Have Fun.
Position Summary: The Director of Benefits is responsible for setting and executing DecisionHR's short and long-term benefits strategy while providing executive oversight of the daily operations, compliance, and client experience of the Benefits division. This leader owns master plan design, renewal, and compliance; drives the development of competitive, cost-effective benefit packages for DecisionHR's small to mid-size employer clients; and builds and maintains the carrier and underwriter relationships that support plan quality and margin performance. The Director of Benefits leads two parallel teams within the Benefits division: the Benefits Operations team (overseen through the Benefits Operations Manager) and the Benefits Account Management team (Benefits Account Manager I and II, Senior/Major Account Manager, and the Benefits and ACA Compliance Project Lead). The Director partners with the VP of Products and Services on strategic growth priorities and ensures the full division operates at the highest standard of compliance, innovation, and client service.
Responsibilities
Benefits Strategy & Plan Design: Develop and drive DecisionHR's short and long-term benefits strategy, including master plan design, structure, and competitive positioning across medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, FSA, STD, LTD, 401(k), and voluntary benefit lines. Direct the design, implementation, and annual renewal of DecisionHR master plans and client-sponsored benefit plans; ensure plan structures are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with client workforce needs. Lead the identification, development, and implementation of innovative solutions for health and welfare, wellness, retirement, and life and disability plans for PEO clients. Stay current on emerging benefits trends, innovative plan designs, and legislative developments; review and analyze existing and proposed law and policy governing benefits and recommend courses of action to leadership.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Maintain full command of health and welfare plan compliance and reporting requirements including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, PPACA, ERISA, and applicable state-level regulations. Ensure DecisionHR master plans and all client-administered plans remain in compliance with applicable federal and state law; proactively identify and address compliance risks. Oversee accounts payable, billing reconciliations, and audits for DecisionHR master plans and DecisionHR-administered client-sponsored plans. Oversee COBRA administration, commission management, carrier billings, and refund processes. Oversee 401(k) plan compliance and administration.
Carrier & Vendor Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strategic relationships with insurance carriers, underwriters, brokers, and benefits vendors; negotiate plan terms, rates, and service levels to support client satisfaction and margin objectives. Monitor implementation of benefits technology, file feeds to carriers and vendors, and integration accuracy. Partner with strategic business partners and vendors to develop and evaluate alternative benefit arrangements and funding strategies.
Client Partnership & Open Enrollment: Partner with, consult, and guide clients in making effective and compliant health, dental, vision, voluntary, and disability benefit decisions tailored to their employee populations. Lead all client-facing and worksite-employee-facing aspects of annual healthcare open enrollment, including strategy, communications, presentations, and execution. Provide oversight and leadership to the Benefits Account Management team as they prepare client renewals, new business strategy, proposals, and presentations; ensure all deliverables are aligned with client requirements and DecisionHR standards. Oversee new client benefits onboarding to ensure a seamless, accurate, and well-communicated transition.
Financial Strategy & Margin Management: Partner with the VP of Products and Services on strategic decisions to enhance margins within the Benefits division; apply strong analytical and financial modeling skills to evaluate plan performance, utilization trends, and cost-containment opportunities. Lead funding analysis across fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded arrangements; present financial recommendations to executive leadership and client contacts. Identify opportunities to improve cost-effectiveness and profitability across the benefits book of business without compromising plan quality or client satisfaction.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, develop, and manage the full Benefits division including the Benefits Operations Manager, Benefits Sales/Implementation Manager, Benefits