Director, Employee Benefits

Sun Life • Portland, ME

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide. Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities. Job Description: Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in the office at least 2 days per week. The opportunity: The Director, Employee Benefits is a strategic program leader responsible for driving the vision, direction and continuous optimization of Sun Life’s US health and welfare and leave of absence programs. This role requires deep analytical capabilities to translate complex data into actionable insights, independent judgment to develop forward-thinking program strategies, and strong people leadership to build and mentor a high-performing team. The Director will champion innovation and operational excellence, leveraging best practices and emerging technologies to deliver measurable business results while enhancing the employee experience. Additionally, this leader will serve as the strategic liaison for Ireland benefits How you will contribute: As a member of the Total Benefits Leadership team, drive the strategic direction of Sun Life’s health and welfare, wellness and leave of absence programs, aligning with overall business objectives and long-term organizational goals. Drive innovation in health, welfare, wellness and leave of absence programs by identifying emerging trends, evaluating emerging solutions, and proactively recommending transformative changes that enhance the employee experience while delivering measurable ROI. Lead data-driven decision-making by developing meaningful analytics, translating complex data into strategic insights and actionable recommendations that optimize program design, reduce costs, and improve employee outcomes. Independently develop high quality presentations and business cases that communicate complex benefits concepts clearly to executive leadership and key stakeholders. Cultivate and manage partnerships with key vendors, negotiate contracts and drive continuous improvement in service delivery and cost management. Collaborate with senior leadership, including finance and actuarial teams, to develop forward-looking pricing models and contribution strategies that balance employee needs with financial objectives. Build and cultivate a high performing team by providing coaching, continuous feedback, knowledge sharing, and targeted development opportunities. Champion continuous improvement and process optimization by identifying operational inefficiencies, designing and implementing streamlined processes, and leveraging emerging technologies and tools to increase team productivity and reduce manual work. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to promote health and welfare programs and drive engagement. Ensure health and welfare plans are compliant with all federal laws (including ERISA, COBRA, and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) as well as applicable state and local regulations. Partner with Ireland Business Group to share guidance, provide support and benefits subject matter expertise. Lead large-scale projects and change initiatives with a focus on stakeholder engagement, seamless integration, risk management and operational excellence Proactively stay current on industry best practices, legislation and periodic market evaluations, to ensure programs are optimized and compliant. Manage program integrations of acquired companies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years of experience managing employee benefits for complex mid-size to large organizations, with a strong focus on innovative solutions, employee experience and financial management
• Proven ability to effectively lead and develop team
• Deep expertise and experience in the design, administration and implementation of health and welfare plans
• Solid knowledge and understanding of HR programs and connections
• Knowledge of leave processes (short-term and long-term disability, FMLA, state leaves, work accommodations) and benefits compliance
• Strong decision-making and organizational skills
• Action-oriented, focused on execution, improving employees’ experience through continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Excellent interpersonal/communications skills
• Skilled in stakeholder management, as well as proven ability to build and facilitate relationships and influence others at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
• Excellent project management and planning skills including the ability to lead, plan, and organize complex assignments
• Excellent excel and analytical skills with ability to summarize results in understandable format with insights
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and problem solve complex issues
• Ability to work well independently or collaboratively as needed and succeed in a fast paced, fluid environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mergers and acquisitions a plus

Responsibilities

• As a member of the Total Benefits Leadership team, drive the strategic direction of Sun Life’s health and welfare, wellness and leave of absence programs, aligning with overall business objectives and long-term organizational goals.
• Drive innovation in health, welfare, wellness and leave of absence programs by identifying emerging trends, evaluating emerging solutions, and proactively recommending transformative changes that enhance the employee experience while delivering measurable ROI.
• Lead data-driven decision-making by developing meaningful analytics, translating complex data into strategic insights and actionable recommendations that optimize program design, reduce costs, and improve employee outcomes.
• Independently develop high quality presentations and business cases that communicate complex benefits concepts clearly to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Cultivate and manage partnerships with key vendors, negotiate contracts and drive continuous improvement in service delivery and cost management.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, including finance and actuarial teams, to develop forward-looking pricing models and contribution strategies that balance employee needs with financial objectives.
• Build and cultivate a high performing team by providing coaching, continuous feedback, knowledge sharing, and targeted development opportunities.
• Champion continuous improvement and process optimization by identifying operational inefficiencies, designing and implementing streamlined processes, and leveraging emerging technologies and tools to increase team productivity and reduce manual work.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to promote health and welfare programs and drive engagement.
• Ensure health and welfare plans are compliant with all federal laws (including ERISA, COBRA, and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) as well as applicable state and local regulations.
• Partner with Ireland Business Group to share guidance, provide support and benefits subject matter expertise.
• Lead large-scale projects and change initiatives with a focus on stakeholder engagement, seamless integration, risk management and operational excellence
• Proactively stay current on industry best practices, legislation and periodic market evaluations, to ensure programs are optimized and compliant.
• Manage program integrations of acquired companies

Benefits

• At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.
• Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees