Director of Global Benefits

Patterson-UTI•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Director of Global Benefits leads a team of benefits professionals responsible for the design, implementation, communication, and administration of the Company’s health, welfare, and retirement programs across multiple U.S. legal entities, as well as coordination of programs in Canada and select international locations. This role balances strategic leadership with hands-on execution, providing oversight of day-to-day operations, vendor management, and continuous improvement of benefits programs. The Director ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and operationally sound, including accurate benefit deductions, strong vendor performance, and a positive employee experience across a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce. The Director partners closely with HR leadership, Legal, Payroll, and business leaders to support the development and execution of Total Rewards and HR strategies aligned with business objectives. This position reports to the Vice President, Total Rewards.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of benefit plan design, administration, and regulatory requirements.
Understanding of U.S. benefits laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA) and familiarity with Canadian and international practices.
Strong vendor management and negotiation experience.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate plan performance, utilization, and cost trends.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly to employees and leadership, including presenting benefits programs and initiatives.
Ability to coach, develop, and influence team members and stakeholders.
Demonstrated success working in a matrix, team-based environment.
Proven organizational and project management skills with the ability to drive process improvements and create efficiencies with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems.
Excellent computer skills with the ability to run reports and complete analysis. Experienced in MS Office to include Word, PowerPoint and advanced Excel skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information appropriately.
Ability to travel as needed to support business units, including occasional travel to field or international locations.
Ability to safely navigate work sites, including walking, climbing, and working in varying conditions with appropriate PPE.
Builds and Maintains Effective Relationships
Develops Self and Others
Builds Effective Teams
Courageous Leadership
Managing Vision and Purpose
Business Acumen
Drive for Results
Customer focus
Decision Quality
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business or related field of study.
10+ years of experience in benefits and/or total rewards.
5+ years of benefits management experience in manager level role, leading a benefits team and managing comprehensive employee benefits programs (e.g. medical, dental, vision, retirement).

Nice To Haves

Experience in the Oil and Gas industry.
Experience supporting multi-entity organizations with U.S. and international operations.
Design and implementation of international benefit programs.
Professional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP.

Responsibilities

Plans and directs the overall design, implementation, communication, and administration of the Company’s health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs.
Develops and executes benefits strategies aligned with business objectives and workforce needs.
Leads the evaluation of plan performance, utilization, and market trends to ensure competitive and cost-effective offerings.
Oversees benefits programs across multiple U.S. entities and provides coordination and guidance for Canada and select international locations, ensuring alignment with company philosophy and local requirements.
Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and applicable Canadian and international requirements.
Develops and maintains audit-ready processes, documentation, and internal controls.
Manages relationships with brokers, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators, including vendor selection, performance management, and contract negotiations.
Leads the annual renewal process, including financial analysis, plan design evaluation, and recommendations to leadership.
Maintains a hands-on approach to benefits administration, ensuring programs are functioning effectively, including accurate benefit deductions, vendor performance, and timely resolution of employee issues.
Partners with HRIS to ensure accurate configuration, integration, and ongoing support of benefits programs within HR systems, including enrollment, deductions, and vendor file feeds.
Monitors and validates benefits processes and transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a consistent employee experience.
Actively engages with vendors, systems, and internal teams to identify and resolve issues, improve processes, and enhance service delivery.
Ensures employees have clear, accessible information and support for benefits programs, including effective use of vendor tools and resources.
Supports mergers and acquisitions activities, including due diligence and integration of benefit programs across entities.
Provides strategic oversight of benefits communications, including Open Enrollment and ongoing employee education.
Partners with HR, Payroll, Legal, and Communications as needed to ensure alignment of processes and employee experience.
Serves as subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or sensitive benefits matters.
Leads, develops, and evaluates performance of team members, establishing clear expectations and driving accountability.
Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
Provides guidance and interpretation of benefit policies, practices, and programs.
Builds and maintains effective relationships with employees, leadership, and external partners to support engagement and program effectiveness.