Exempt Director of Benefits

Job Title: Exempt Director of Benefits (Contract – Hybrid)

TruBlu HR Solutions is seeking a senior-level Exempt Director of Benefits to provide strategic and operational leadership for a comprehensive benefits portfolio within a large, complex healthcare environment. This is a contract opportunity requiring an experienced professional who can quickly assess existing benefits programs, maintain continuity of operations, and support high-level initiatives with minimal ramp-up time.

This role operates in a hybrid work model with flexibility for candidates residing in Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas.

The Director of Benefits will serve as a key leader in the organization’s total rewards function, partnering directly with executive leadership while also ensuring strong execution of day-to-day benefits operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, design, and administration of comprehensive benefits programs including health, welfare, retirement, and wellness offerings
• Oversee compliance, governance, and operational effectiveness of all benefits programs
• Manage vendor relationships, performance, and contract alignment
• Lead and support complex benefits RFP processes, including evaluation, negotiation, and implementation
• Direct annual enrollment planning, communications strategy, and execution across a large employee population
• Partner with executive leadership on benefits strategy, cost optimization, and long-term planning
• Ensure seamless integration of benefits programs across multiple divisions within a complex organization
• Provide insights and recommendations based on data, market trends, and regulatory changes
• Serve as a senior advisor on total rewards strategy and employee experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive benefits experience
• Extensive experience managing health & welfare and retirement programs
• Strong background in benefits compliance, administration, and vendor management
• Proven experience leading benefits RFP processes and vendor negotiations
• Demonstrated success managing annual enrollment cycles and employee benefits communications
• Experience working within large, healthcare complex organizations
• Ability to operate at both a strategic executive level and operational execution level
• Strong communication and presentation skills with executive presence

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
• Other HR or benefits-related certifications a plus

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned benefits leader who has successfully managed large-scale benefits programs within complex organizations. They are comfortable engaging with executive stakeholders, leading strategic discussions, and ensuring operational excellence across all aspects of benefits administration. Experience in healthcare systems or similarly complex environments is highly desirable.

This position is offered through a healthcare system in the greater Houston region with a strong reputation for innovation, scale, and employee-focused benefits strategy.