Education: Bachelors degree in Business, HR Management or related discipline;  Masters degree  preferred

Licenses/Certifications:  Certification in HR-related area preferred, e.g. Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• 10 years experience managing benefits operations encompassing the implementation of benefit programs, administration and compliance of qualified retirement plans, health and welfare benefit plans and wellness initiatives in a complex integrated healthcare system or multi-divisional company

• Prior experience with HRIS database required

• Proven management skills and the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of professionals capable of achieving aggressive business goals and objectives

• Experience with plan design/evaluation/ compliance/implementation for health and welfare, pension, 403(b), 401(k), non-qualified, life and AD&D insurance, short term disability and voluntary benefits plans

• Experience with COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and health care reform law

• Wellness plan development and implementation experience desirable

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and the ability to determine when escalation of issues is required

• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

• Critical thinking and problem resolution skills

• Demonstrated strong computer skills

• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential

Principal Accountabilities

• Designs, develops and administers “best practices” benefit programs to attract and retain high-performing people talent while effectively managing costs, service, external resources, vendors and legal compliance.

• Partners with Director of Compensation, Manager of HRIS and VP, Compensation, Benefits & HRIS to design and execute a cohesive Total Rewards program in alignment with MH business strategies. Directs and is ultimately responsible for the team of Benefits staff.

• Maintains relationships and cultivates new relationships with external consultants, actuaries and outsourcing service partners.

• Assures all company-sponsored plans, including their design and changes thereto, are in compliance with all relevant legal requirements and government regulations related to benefits administration (e.g. PPA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, DOL, IRS) and ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements.

• Evaluates and implements effective and accurate process as necessary to maintain efficiency of benefit delivery.

• Works collaboratively with ISD and HRIS to design and develop system enhancements and new applications to deliver automated Benefits information and enrollment tools.

• Act as the liaison and primary resource for the Human Resource Service Center for escalated issues and process enhancements and improvements.

• Ensures effective and accurate benefit communications.

• Develops metrics to measure the ROI of benefit programs.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.