Assistant Vice President

Position Summary:
The Assistant Vice President, Benefits is responsible for the leadership, strategy, design, implementation, and ongoing management of the company's employee benefits programs including healthcare, defined contribution retirement plans, time off, and wellbeing. This role requires a deep understanding of benefits regulations, best practices, and a strategic approach to designing and delivering competitive and cost-effective benefits packages that attract, retain, and engage employees. The role leads a team of benefits professionals to deliver innovative and sustainable benefits solutions that enable broader talent strategy and business objectives, while driving operational excellence in the administration of benefits programs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive benefits strategy in all core benefit areas including health, vision, dental, life, disability, leave management, wellbeing, and retirement.
• Manage relationships and monitor performance with external benefits vendors including consultants, brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Analyze benefits data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, monitor costs, and make data-driven recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with finance on overall cost management.
• Monitor marketplace trends, regulatory changes, and other relevant factors to inform internal strategies and maintain program competitiveness.
• Oversee development and implementation of communication strategies to inform and educate employees about benefits programs and resources.
• Provide expertise to internal stakeholders regarding benefits policies and programs.
• Coordinate with carriers and internal stakeholders to manage medical plan tiering requirements.
• Maintain and update the Employee Self-Service Benefit Portal and external benefit website annually.
• Ensure benefits programs comply with applicable laws and regulations; maintain documentation and stay informed on legislative changes.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of human resources experience with emphasis on employee benefits design and administration.
• Experience building and enhancing benefits policies and practices.
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, as well as relevant compliance areas such as Sarbanes-Oxley and ACA.
• Previous experience managing benefits plans, vendor negotiations, and RFP evaluations.
• Relevant certifications such as CEBS or CBP preferred.
• Experience with Lawson, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing innovative benefit programs with measurable business impact.
• Understanding of accounting and actuarial principles in benefits financial reporting.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Innovative problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Flexible, resilient, and adaptable under changing conditions.
• Professional demeanor with a consultative and collaborative approach.