Director - Benefits Administration, Governance & Compliance

Position Description:

The Benefits Administration, Governance & Compliance role is both operational and strategic, offering the opportunity to apply deep knowledge of employee benefits, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. This position supports the delivery of high-quality benefits programs while ensuring alignment with legal standards and organizational values. Reporting to the Vice President - Health Care, Disability, Worker's Compensation and Medical Operations, the role collaborates across departments and with external partners to maintain a compliant and employee-focused benefits infrastructure.

Position Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Manage health, retirement, wellness, and other employee benefit programs for represented and non-represented employees and retirees.
• Ensure accurate communication and accessibility of benefits to employees.
• Coordinate with vendors and carriers to maintain service quality and resolve escalated issues.

Governance

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures governing benefits programs.
• Align benefit practices with corporate standards and ethical guidelines.
• Support internal audits and reviews to ensure policy adherence.

Compliance

• Monitor and implement changes in laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA).
• Ensure documentation and reporting meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to mitigate compliance risks.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, payroll, finance, and IT teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Provide strategic insights and updates to leadership.

Knowledge Base:

• Exceptional attention to detail for compliance and governance.
• Strong communication skills to simplify complex policies.
• Effective problem-solving and negotiation skills in benefit-related challenges.
• Process improvement mindset to identify and close operational gaps.
• Demonstrated experience in benefit program design, performance evaluation, and vendor management.
• Astute knowledge of healthcare industry trends and regulatory challenges.
• Strong business and financial acumen related to benefits and wellness programs
• Experience working with external suppliers and cross-functional organizations.
• Effectively balance competing priorities to fulfill all stakeholder expectations.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 7 years of experience working in healthcare industry or related field, and/or major consulting firm, demonstrating an increase in role responsibilities
• Aptitude to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to drive change using data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to professionally and effectively interact with staff, colleagues and senior management.
• Capacity to work with labor unions.
• Percent Travel: 0-20%

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business administration, human resources, labor relations, health care administration, or public health.
• 10+ years of experience working in healthcare industry or related field, and/or major consulting firm, demonstrating an increase in role responsibilities.