Director, Benefits

Renuity•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The Director of Benefits is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing the design, administration and continuous improvement of the company's health, welfare, retirement, well-being, and leave of absence programs. This role ensures that benefit offers are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, inclusive, and aligned with overall organizational goals. The Director partners closely with HRBPs, Finance, Legal, Payroll, and external partners to deliver a seamless and high-quality employee experience while supporting organizational growth and integration across a multi-entity environment.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in employee benefits, retirement plans, or total rewards, with a strong focus on program administration and strategy.
3-5+ years of leadership experience managing teams or large vendor ecosystems.
Deep knowledge of benefits compliance, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, state leave laws, and Section 125 plans.
Experience in complex, multi‑site, or multi‑entity organizations; exposure to integration or harmonization efforts preferred.
Excellent communication and vendor‑management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Nice To Haves

Prefer experience in high‑growth, manufacturing, operations, sales‑driven, or private‑equity‑influenced environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the company’s benefits strategy, ensuring offerings are competitive, sustainable, and aligned with workforce needs and organizational priorities.
Lead the full annual benefits planning cycle, including plan design, modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and collaboration with Finance to ensure cost alignment.
Manage all aspects of annual benefits renewals, including RFPs, vendor evaluations, negotiations, and recommendations balancing competitiveness, cost efficiency, and employee experience.
Oversee 401(k) and retirement plan governance, including strategy, compliance, plan documents, audits, nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 filing, and work with recordkeepers, advisors, and fiduciary committees.
Maintain a comprehensive benefits portfolio that is market‑aligned, compliant with state and federal regulations, and inclusive of diverse employee needs.
Own vendor and partner management, covering medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, EAP, wellness programs, COBRA, and other third‑party providers. Monitor performance, negotiate service improvements, and ensure high‑quality delivery.
Lead benefit communication and education strategies to support employee understanding, decision‑making, and engagement across all programs.
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA (benefits‑related), Section 125, state leave laws, and other relevant regulations. Partner with Legal and consultants to mitigate risk and maintain audit‑ready processes.
Analyze benefits utilization, cost drivers, employee demographics, and participation trends to inform data‑driven recommendations for cost containment, experience improvement, and long-term sustainability.
Drive holistic well‑being strategies—including physical, mental, financial, and social—aligned with company culture, engagement goals, and retention objectives.
Oversee all leave of absence programs, including STD, LTD, FMLA, state leave programs, parental leave, and company leaves.
Ensure integrated, compliant, and employee‑centric LOA processes, working closely with HRBPs, Payroll, managers, and third‑party administrators.
Develop policies, guidelines, and communication approaches that support both compliance and a positive employee experience.
Monitor LOA trends, escalation patterns, and risk areas; implement process improvements to enhance employee support and operational efficiency.
Lead and develop the Benefits team, fostering collaboration, technical expertise, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Serve as a trusted advisor to HR leadership, executives, and HRBPs on benefits and leave strategy, design, compliance, and employee communications.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Legal, Finance, HRIS, Payroll, Communications, and business leaders to ensure cohesive and accurate execution of all benefit and LOA programs.
Support change management for benefit‑related initiatives, ensuring clear communication, adoption readiness, and alignment across business units and acquired entities.