Director of Benefits

The Cheesecake Factory•Agoura Hills, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Benefits is responsible for the strategy, governance, administration, compliance, and financial management of the Company's comprehensive employee benefits programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Total Rewards, you'll oversee all health and welfare, retirement, leave of absence, and time-off programs while serving as the Company's subject matter expert in benefits, vendor management, and fiduciary oversight. You will develop and execute benefits programs that support business objectives, optimize employee health outcomes, manage costs, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver an exceptional employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive benefits leadership experience, including 5+ years leading enterprise-wide health and welfare, retirement, and leave of absence programs.
Significant experience managing self-insured medical plans and large-scale benefits programs in complex, multi-state organizations.
Extensive knowledge of benefits compliance and administration, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS regulations, and federal, state, and local leave laws.
Demonstrated success managing vendor relationships, strategic sourcing initiatives, and complex contract negotiations.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar benefits budgets, healthcare forecasting, and cost-containment strategies.
Experience supporting organizations with 20,000+ employees preferred; experience supporting organizations with 40,000+ employees strongly preferred.
Exceptional analytical, project management, communication, presentation, and executive influencing skills.

Nice To Haves

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification
Experience in a publicly traded company
Experience partnering with Benefits Committees and Retirement Plan Committees
Experience with benefits analytics, population health, and value-based healthcare strategies
Experience working with health and retirement plans in Canada.

Responsibilities

Partner with the VP, Total Rewards to develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy aligned with business, talent, and financial objectives.
Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of health and welfare, retirement, leave of absence, time-off, wellness, and financial well-being programs.
Evaluate market trends, regulatory developments, and competitive benchmarks to ensure a compelling and cost-effective benefits portfolio.
Oversee health and welfare programs, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, disability, life, wellness, and voluntary benefits.
Direct retirement programs, including 401(k) and deferred compensation plans, while supporting financial wellness initiatives.
Lead leave of absence, accommodation, and time-away programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Ensure compliance with all applicable benefits and leave regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related requirements.
Manage benefits budgets, healthcare cost forecasting, vendor performance, and program financial sustainability.
Lead relationships with consultants, carriers, administrators, recordkeepers, and other vendors to optimize service delivery and outcomes.
Drive operational excellence through effective benefits administration, open enrollment execution, process improvements, and benefits technology optimization.
Utilize data and analytics to inform decision-making, enhance program performance, and improve the employee experience.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing benefits team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer service.