Director, Benefits

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Job description

Apply Req ID: Date posted 11/03/2021

At Santander, people are at the core of everything we do. The groups within the Human Resources team work together to attract, develop, and retain Santander's most valuable asset: our team members. As a member of the Human Resources team you'll be a part of our mission to develop people strategies and programs that support the achievement of Santander's business objectives.

The Director, Benefits is a strategic partner to the business who plays a key role in the developments of the benefits strategy, and plays a lead role in the financial management, vendor management, and assessment of the program's overall effectiveness. S/he leads in-depth planning, design and analysis efforts. The incumbent provides leadership to the benefits team and oversees the administration of benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities

* Actively manages and monitors program financials and utilization to ensure they are operating as desired and on budget.
* Actively monitors proposed legislation and regulations, and prepares summaries of related impact.
* Assures Company's compliance with applicable federal and local laws, including requisite filings and audits, related to the Benefit programs.
* Evaluates all vendor proposals and RFP's, leads negotiation on contracts and oversees the management of vendor relationships.
* Identifies complex benefits issues and efficiency opportunities and develops innovative and effective solutions.
* In collaboration with other internal HR stakeholders researches and writes various human resources-related policies, procedures and other related documentation or materials.
* Key contributor to the annual process to develop aggregate benefits operating budgets, ensures plans are administered in accordance with approved budget.
* Leads Benefits team and provides coaching, resolves conflicts, sets SMART goals, conducts performance evaluations, and promotes teamwork.
* Leads and co-ordinates benefit comparability and market analysis; recommends/ proposed changes where necessary or desired as a result of legal or regulatory changes, or in an effort to remain market competitive.
* Oversees the design and implementation of employee benefit communications, and ensures they are simple and effective in helping employees make informed decisions about their benefits.
* Provides expertise in benefits related employee matters and ensures compliance with applicable Federal and state laws and regulations.
* Provides final review and sign-off for regulatory reports and filings.
* Provides regular reporting as requested for support area and corporate required reporting.
* Resolves complex employee benefit plan issues referred by management and benefits staff.
* Reviews and ensures maximum cost effectiveness of benefits packages.
* Works with Benefits team to handle benefits inquiries to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution along with informative and reliable customer-focused support.
* Recruits, trains, develops, motivates, sets goals, and provides on-going feedback to a team of direct reports.

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce and strive to increase the diversity of our teams. We actively encourage everyone to apply.

* Bachelor's Degree in HR, business, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
* 9-12 years Current knowledge of trends in Benefit functional best-practices.
* 9-12 years Outstanding, recent knowledge of regulations, regulatory requirements, benefit policies and practices. Unquestioned integrity and ethics in the application of such standards.
* 9-12 years Overseeing teams. CEBS Certification.
* PHR/SPHR.
* Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multi-task and effectively prioritize numerous projects simultaneously.
* Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy to resolve sensitive human resources issues.
* Can handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
* Comprehensive knowledge of benefits planning methods, programs, and plans.
* Excellent analytical skills to assess and make determinations in a timely manner.
* Highly developed skills and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, to convey complex subject matter and persuade and influence management, internal partners, third party vendors and employees at all levels.
* Outstanding decision making skills with primary focus on accomplishing company and departmental goals.
* Proficient in Benefits Administration and Payroll systems, Microsoft Office Word, Power Point and Excel, as well as Human Capital Management (HCM) systems (e.g., People Soft, ADP).
* Significant experience in identifying, designing, and planning complex projects involving benefit plans and programs, and administrative solutions.
* Superior interpersonal and communications skills, including writing, presentation, and influencing skills to engender confidence and credibility with complex human resources issues.
* Thorough knowledge of applicable Federal and state laws and regulations governing benefits and employment practices. Minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing, and walking.
* Competencies
* Brings out the best in each team member by consistently motivating and acknowledging peer contributions Understands and leverages team dynamics.
* Effectively conveys difficult or complex information in an easy to understand manner, by providing the big picture and illustrating important linkages Asks open-ended questions that encourage others to give their points of view.
* Ensures required resources and skills are in place to maintain smooth day-to-day operations and tackle arising problems.
* Fully accountable for timeliness, completeness, quality of projects, processes, products and services Remains calm and focused on goals while facing pressures, obstacles or short-term setbacks.
* Identifies and focuses on resolving the key issue at the heart of the conflict Displays strong diplomacy skills; anticipates and prepares for how others will react.
* Recognizes potential and multiple impacts of change and acts as a coach to help people understand and prepare for change Takes proactive action to maintain relationships that are impacted by change.
* Reformulates the problem in different ways to evaluate it from different angles.
* Takes responsibility for and deals effectively with complex and sensitive customer issues and complaints Anticipates customer needs and proactively makes recommendations.
* Uses a combination of logic, personal passion, conviction and interpersonal skills to influence others Enlists commitment by involving others at early, and all stages.

Primary Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Other Locations: Massachusetts-Boston

Organization: Santander Bank, N.A.