Director of Benefits

Acuren Inspection, Inc.•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Benefits provides strategic leadership, design, and oversight of the organization’s global health, welfare, and leave programs. This role is responsible for managing a complex self-funded medical plan, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing employee experience, and aligning benefits strategy with business objectives. The Director will lead innovation in total rewards programs, drive cost-effective solutions, and oversee systems, vendors, and internal processes to support a large, diverse workforce.

Requirements

Deep expertise in self-funded health plan design and administration.
Strong understanding of federal and state benefits and leave regulations.
Knowledge of benefits systems, HRIS platforms, and data analytics tools.
Familiarity with public company governance and reporting considerations.
Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Advanced analytical and financial acumen (claims analysis, forecasting, budgeting).
Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentation.
Project management and change management expertise.
Ability to lead complex, large-scale benefits programs across diverse populations.
Capability to balance cost control with employee experience.
Strong decision-making skills in a fast-paced, evolving regulatory environment.
Ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational alignment.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
10+ years of progressive benefits experience, including leadership roles.
UKG experience required.
Experience managing self-funded health plans in large organizations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or related) preferred.
Experience in a publicly traded company environment preferred.
Professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP/SCP) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals, workforce needs, and market competitiveness.
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits.
Evaluate emerging trends and innovations in benefits to enhance employee value proposition and cost management.
Oversee administration and performance of the company’s self-funded medical plan, including plan design, funding strategy, and risk management.
Partner with actuaries, consultants, and vendors to analyze claims data, forecast costs, and implement cost-containment strategies.
Ensure optimal vendor performance (TPAs, PBMs, stop-loss carriers, wellness providers).
Direct day-to-day operations of all health and welfare programs.
Ensure seamless delivery of benefits through effective vendor management and internal coordination.
Drive employee engagement and education related to benefits offerings.
Oversee all leave programs including FMLA, ADA, state-specific leave laws, paid family leave, and company-sponsored leave policies.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related requirements.
Maintain expertise in multi-state leave laws and ensure consistent application across jurisdictions.
Lead benefits systems strategy, configuration, integration, and ongoing maintenance (e.g., HRIS, benefits administration platforms).
Ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and system optimization.
Partner with HRIS and IT teams on enhancements, implementations, and troubleshooting.
Design and oversee employee recognition and wellness initiatives that support engagement and retention.
Align recognition programs with broader total rewards philosophy.
Develop and manage multi-million-dollar benefits budgets.
Lead RFP processes, contract negotiations, and vendor performance reviews.
Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Lead and develop a high-performing benefits team.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.
Other work duties as assigned.