Sr. Director, US Benefits

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Sr. Director, Benefits is responsible for developing, implementing and managing the Corporation's Health and Welfare benefit programs, policies, and procedures for its US Benefits. The incumbent also participates in the design and selection of health and welfare benefits and benefit policies. The Sr. Director, Benefits will play an essential role in selecting and managing third party vendors, focusing on strategy, quality of service and cost effectiveness.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication/Interface:

• Serve as primary interface with health and welfare vendors on administrative issues.
• Work with the HR Communications Group to create information for the employee website.
• Participate in and manage portions of the annual open enrollments for related plans and flexible spending accounts (such as Section 125).
• Represent the company on National Vendor Advisory Groups and at various conferences.
• Coordinate and monitor the relationship with various consulting groups used for survey information, negotiations, audits and advice.
• Work with senior leadership cross functionally (such as Finance, Communications, HRIS) around benefit, welfare strategies and process implementation.
• Coordinate the Executive Administrative Committee meetings and work with other committee members to resolve issues and discuss related topics.
• Serve as subject matter and lead on all related projects and act as a resource to senior leadership.

Benefits and Welfare Management and Reporting:

• Monitor the administration, reporting, budgeting, disclosure and recordkeeping of all benefit programs (including acquisitions and divestitures) for various entities such as, fully insured and self-insured group Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Care and Pharmacy - benefit programs.
• Responsible for the financial and operational analysis of health and welfare benefit plan results to understand the key drivers of the financial performance of the programs and support the implementation of future benefit plan changes.
• Direct the planning, evaluation and management of related health welfare and retirement programs while assessing its effectiveness in meeting overall strategic objectives.
• Monitor, implement and report on the effectiveness of cost containment strategies, wellness and disease management programs and service level agreements (to include assessing penalties when levels are not reached).
• Lead initiatives to improve benefit quality, policy, cost, and return on investment.
• Develop underwriting data for benefit plans and solicit insurance companies for quotations. Evaluate quotations and makes recommendations to management. Develop company cost information for new plans and make recommendations to management concerning sharing of cost between employer and employee.
• Manage benefit plan vendors and record keepers to ensure adherence to administrative agreements.
• Participate in strategic planning and budget process regarding benefits and welfare.
• Provide benefit plan guidance and advice to related division/s such as NYDS.
• Review, approve and submit related forms, filings (such as Form 5500, 401K, 11K), plans (such as VEBA trust review-Disability, COSO) and process (RFP for medical, dental etc.) on behalf of FMCNA.
• Review of annual pension funding and it's methodology to include approval of related benefit invoices and purchases with affiliated companies.
• Assure that related processes, procedures and plans (such as 401K) are created and signed by the appropriate committees and are in compliance with regulations and amendments (such as ERISA, HIPPA, ADA, IRS, SEC and other state related).
• Research and monitor trends related to national benefits (such as specialty drugs) and cost fluctuations.
• Lead projects to assess carrier changes in benefit and welfare plans.
• Participate in annual testing/audits related to benefits and welfare (such as Annual Non-discrimination testing).
• Partner with brokers, vendors and/or consultants regarding renewals, negotiations, benefit plan design, claim utilization, and cost management.

Administration:

• Evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information. Analyze results of surveys and develop specific plan design recommendations for consideration by management, to maintain company's competitive position in labor market and, where possible, obtain uniform benefit package for all company locations.
• Develop specifications for implementation of new plans approved or modifications of existing plans.
• Install approved new plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media for communicating new plans to employees. Revise and reissue all communications material on benefits from time to time. Advice and counsel management and employees on existing benefits.
• Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instruct insurance carriers, trustees, and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefit program.
• Provide Day-to-Day management of the health and welfare benefits group.

Staff and Process Management:

• Manage benefit plan vendors and record keepers to ensure adherence to administrative agreements.
• Work and partner effectively with all related departments such as HRIS Department, Payroll Department, Treasury, Accounting Department, Human Resources and Communications Group.
• Remain current with all legal and legislative changes and market changes impacting benefits, benefits policy, and audit.
• Performing special assignment projects as directed by immediate supervisor or management.
• Act as a resource to Senior Management on personal benefit and welfare issues.
• Assist with various projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations.  See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISION:

• May be responsible for the direct supervision of various levels of related health, benefits and welfare staff.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree required; Advanced Degree preferred

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• 10+ years' related experience.
• 5+ years' experience as a Director; or 5+ years' experience in a senior managerial role.
• SHRM Certification (SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP) is desirable, or a plus.
• Demonstrated experience managing one or more departments.
• Strong management skills with the ability to lead cohesive and productive teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of management through diplomacy and tact.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and email applications.
• Knowledge and experience with related data warehouse tools.
• Experience in designing incentive programs to meet a variety of needs, preferred.
• Knowledge of related benefits and welfare legal standards; such as ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and FLSA.

The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills, and competencies. 

Rate: $XX - $XX 

Non-Bonus Eligible Positions: include language below. 

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave. 

Bonus Eligible Positions – include language below. 

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance. 

Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.