Benefits Director

HR Recruiting Services•Houston, TX

About The Position

We are looking for a Benefits Director for our client located in Houston, TX. This role is pivotal in shaping and managing comprehensive benefit programs that support talent acquisition, retention, and organizational success within a complex healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and compliance of all employee benefits, including health and welfare, retirement, wellness, and voluntary plans. By ensuring adherence to IRS, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other regulatory standards, the position safeguards organizational compliance while driving cost-effective, high-quality benefit delivery. The individual will lead a team of benefits professionals, collaborate with key stakeholders across HR, IT, and finance, and serve as the primary liaison for external consultants, brokers, and service providers. This position plays a critical role in advancing Memorial Hermann’s Total Rewards strategy and fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience managing benefits operations in a complex, multi-divisional organization or integrated healthcare system.
Proven experience in the full lifecycle of benefit program management, including plan design, compliance, implementation, and administration of health and welfare, retirement (401(k), 403(b), pension), life/AD&D, short-term disability, and voluntary benefits.
Demonstrated expertise in COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, DOL, IRS, and ERISA compliance and reporting.
Experience in wellness program development and implementation.
Strong proficiency with HRIS systems and data management; experience driving system enhancements and digital transformation.
Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities with the capacity to prioritize and escalate issues appropriately.
Advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
Experience leading teams and developing high-performing professionals.
Familiarity with budget management, cost control, and ROI measurement in benefits programs.

Nice To Haves

Certification in HR or benefits administration (e.g., Certified Benefits Professional – CBP, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist – CEBS) preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and administer best-in-class benefit programs aligned with organizational goals and market competitiveness.
Ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations, including IRS, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and healthcare reform laws.
Lead and mentor a team of benefits professionals, fostering professional development and performance excellence.
Partner with the Director of Compensation, Manager of HRIS, and VP, Compensation, Benefits & HRIS to develop and execute a cohesive Total Rewards strategy.
Manage relationships with external consultants, actuaries, brokers, and service providers to ensure optimal service delivery and program effectiveness.
Evaluate, enhance, and implement efficient processes to improve benefit administration and employee experience.
Collaborate with ISD and HRIS teams to design and deploy automated enrollment tools, reporting systems, and digital benefit platforms.
Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated HR Service Center issues and process improvement initiatives.
Develop and deliver clear, accurate, and timely benefit communications to employees and stakeholders.
Establish and track key performance metrics to assess the ROI and impact of benefit programs.
Uphold Memorial Hermann’s commitment to patient, staff, and visitor safety, while maintaining adherence to all organizational policies, budgetary constraints, and operational standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.