Senior Director Benefits

Robert Half•San Ramon, CA

About The Position

Robert Half, one of FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies and a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For is hiring a Senior Director Benefits to join the Benefit Services department. The Senior Director of US Benefits is responsible for the management of Robert Half’s Benefit and Wellbeing offerings to active, leave and COBRA participants, in the U.S. and ensuring the overall compliance and operational efficiency of the day-to-day operations. This position provides direction and guidance relating to planning, organizing, implementing and evaluation of benefit and leave of absence policies, practices and procedures in a manner consistent with federal, state regulations and compliance. Interprets, analyzes, and manages various benefits contracts, health and welfare plans in compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, leave of absence and FMLA regulations, COBRA, Workers’ Compensation and more. Benefit offerings cover the following LOBs and employee groups in the U.S.: Corporate Services, Talent Solutions, Protiviti, PGS, and Full-time Engagement Professionals. The Senior Director of US Benefits will report to the VP of Benefits & Wellbeing and manage a team of nine benefits professionals, which includes the Manager of Benefits Operations and the Sr. Manager Absence Management and Workers’ Compensation. Responsibilities include benefits administration and communication of U.S. benefits programs; handling complex situations such as sensitive escalations, vendor system and process issues, carriers’ policies and practices, Open Enrollment, RFPs, etc.; evaluating and participating in the long-term planning, analysis and development of benefit program offerings relative to market data and Robert Half objectives; recommending process and program enhancements and plan design changes; and designing, implementing and communicating wellbeing programs across the U.S. This role is responsible for implementing and ongoing management of benefits, leave of absence, and Workers’ Comp outsourced administration, health, welfare, voluntary benefit plans and other wellness programs. This position works closely with multiple external vendors, internal departments, and internal and external legal counsel. This is a unique opportunity to join an organization, at a pivotal and exciting time in our future of our people strategy and digital transformation efforts. The Senior Director of US Benefits is a key strategic partner in the development and execution of our People and Culture strategy which will advance our position in the market to new levels and drive future growth.

Requirements

10+ years of benefits experience required.
Working knowledge in health and insurance carriers and TPAs is required.
5+ years of management experience with two plus direct staff reports.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop high performing staff members to enable their maximum potential.
Strong experience with vendor management, performance metrics and service level expectations and accountability.
Demonstrated experience and capability to work cross-functionally in a complex and highly matrixed organization.
Subject matter expert in health and benefit policies and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, etc.).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Able to effectively implement viable solutions for complex issues.
Proficient computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.); working knowledge of PeopleSoft, Workday HCM, Empyrean and payroll is desirable.
Ability to develop and present content that is easy to understand and convey key messages to influence various audiences.
Proven organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands.
Approachable leader with a passion for success and an ability to mentor others.
Ability to exercise independent discretion, sound judgment, proactively resolve issues and work effectively with various teams to drive results.
Reliable, detail oriented and a team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Possess excellent listening, verbal and written communications skills.
Must be a strategic thinker and have ability to create long term roadmaps.
Embraces change and working in a multiple priority fast-paced environment.
High Integrity - trustworthy, professional, and credible with respect for confidentiality.
Remains calm under pressure; has a sense of humor and is comfortable addressing difficult situations.
Ability to travel to San Ramon as needed.

Responsibilities

Working with the VP of Benefits and Wellbeing and other members of senior management to establish appropriate benefit programs, recommendations and long-term strategies.
Supporting the VP of Benefits and Wellbeing in preparing strategy, recommendation and renewal presentations for Executive meetings.
Providing strategic thinking and planning that matches emerging market trends in benefits and employee engagement strategies.
Using market data and people analytics, ensure benefit and wellbeing strategies/offerings are relevant, flexible, cost-effective, and competitive with local practices and aligned with business strategies.
Significantly involved in health and welfare strategy discussions, design decisions, and exercises expertise in benchmarking of best operational practices.
Creating a three-year roadmap setting strategy and future direction of health and welfare plans and wellbeing programs.
Keeping up to date on new wellbeing strategies and vendors, and develop, implement and communicate wellbeing programs across the U.S.
Directing the implementation of new benefit offerings among cross-functional internal and external teams.
Overseeing the annual Benefits Open Enrollment process to ensure well-designed roll-out strategies, alignment of stakeholder communication and engagement, and effective implementation.
Overseeing the financial strategy, budget and regulatory compliance in areas of benefit administration and work closely with internal and external tax, finance and corporate accounting partners.
Recommending process improvements/streamlining to maximize internal resources.
Leading the development and management of cross functional benefits process improvement initiatives and internal resource planning.
Serving as the Benefits Center of Excellence in the U.S., acting as internal subject matter expert for all benefits related matters. The team serves as the point of contact for escalated benefit issues and concerns across the U.S.
Ensuring plan documents remain in compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA and other leave laws, GINA, PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) and other national, federal, state, provincial and/or local laws, as needed.
Working closely with legal experts, auditors, and consultants on matters related to benefit programs and compliance.
Researching, analyzing, and communicating internally new and changing legislation related to delivery and administration of employee benefit and absence plans.
Enhancing employee experience and formulate internal and external messaging to promote new benefit design or company programs by collaborating with cross functional business partners.
Overseeing the maintenance of online communication tools to ensure current information regarding access to benefits information, and related information is continually updated, aligned to Robert Half guidelines, and is easy to understand.
Developing and maintain informational and educational tools to ensure that employees receive the information necessary to access their benefits and execute legally required communications.
Managing all periodic processes associated with benefit programs, including roll-out strategies, communication and planning.
Managing outsourced U.S. benefits plan administration (health and welfare plans), communications and service delivery/helpdesk.
Managing broker and vendor relationships providing health/welfare and other benefit related services to include but not limited to: Vendor evaluations including RFPs and selection. Reviewing vendor contracts and associated policies/renewals. Monitoring performance dashboard and resolve issues timely and efficiently with creative viable solutions. Setting Vendor expectations, accountability and performance and ensure vendors are adhering to contracted services and performance guarantees. Ensuring vendors are delivering excellent service, competitive pricing and best-in-class results as well as supporting internal team members.
Proactively identifying and managing Robert Half risks and issues related to plan administration, design, communications, etc.
Working closely with external vendors and internal communications support team to ensure information is disseminated and presented in a timely and culturally appropriate fashion.
Understanding US health care industries, laws, history, current events and best practices.
Working closely with Internal Communications and other internal/external partners to develop U.S. wide employee engagement through delivery of webinars and trainings.
Overseeing audits and manage all required plan testing and government filings (5500 Forms and schedules, SARs, Medicare Part D, etc.).
Overseeing benefit system administration processes to ensure data integrity across multiple payroll systems and providers.
Solving system challenges and build teams who work effectively with each other to provide strategic and operational support.
Directly mentoring, coaching, and developing employees on the Benefits team, enabling their potential for career growth at RH.
Responsible for all performance management and merit increases for team and makes all direct hiring decisions.

Benefits

group health insurance benefits (medical, vision, dental)
FSA and HSA healthcare accounts
life and accident insurance
adoption and fertility assistance
paid parental leave of up to 6 weeks
short/long term disability
paid time off for vacation, personal needs, and sick time
opportunity to contribute to our company 401(k) savings and investment plan or deferred compensation plan (if eligible), with an employer match of 100% on the first 3% of your contributions for eligible employees

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