Director, Benefits

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

Job Description Summary:

The Director, Benefits is responsible for the strategic leadership, design, governance, and continuous evolution of the company's global benefits philosophy and benefits framework, while providing direct leadership and execution for benefits programs across the Americas region (United States, Canada, and Costa Rica).

This role ensures benefits programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization's global Total Rewards strategy. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, partnering closely with Finance, People Business Partners, Legal, and external vendors to deliver a high-quality employee experience while effectively managing risk and cost. This position combines global strategic oversight with regional operational excellence and leads a team responsible for the administration and enhancement of health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct oversight for benefits programs across the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica.
• Develop and manage benefits budgets, forecasts, and long-range cost projections.
• Oversee relationships with brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, carriers, and other benefits vendors.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, Canadian benefits regulations, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Lead benefits communication and education strategies that improve employee understanding and engagement.
• Lead the development and evolution of the company's global benefits strategy, philosophy, and governance framework aligned with broader Total Rewards objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on global benefits trends, program design, risk management, and cost optimization.
• Establish global benefits principles and standards while supporting regional flexibility where appropriate.
• Partner with regional stakeholders to ensure alignment between global strategy and local market needs.
• Lead benefits due diligence, integration, and harmonization efforts related to acquisitions and organizational changes.
• Identify emerging global benefits trends and recommend innovative programs that support employee wellbeing and business objectives.
• Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of health and welfare programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• Ensure delivery of competitive and compliant benefits programs that meet the needs of employees across the Americas region.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Americas benefits team.
• Manage escalated employee benefits issues and ensure a high-quality employee experience.
• Analyze claims experience, utilization trends, and cost drivers to optimize program effectiveness and spending.
• Conduct benchmarking and market analyses to evaluate program competitiveness.
• Develop dashboards, metrics, and KPIs that provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, and service-level management.
• Establish governance processes that drive vendor accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee audits, controls, and governance processes related to benefits administration.
• Partner closely with Legal and Compliance teams to manage regulatory changes and associated program updates.
• Monitor and mitigate benefits-related risks across the Americas region.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with company culture and values.
• Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and IT teams to optimize systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on service delivery, efficiency, and scalability.

Key Qualitifications:

• 10+ years of progressive benefits and/or Total Rewards experience.
• Experience developing benefits strategy in a global organization with responsibility across multiple regions.
• Direct experience managing and administering benefits programs in the United States, Canada, and/or Latin America.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing complex benefits budgets and analyzing program performance.
• Proven experience managing external vendors, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and organizational integrations preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Workday or similar HRIS experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree and/or CEBS, CBP, or similar certification preferred.

#LI-Remote

What Rocket Software can offer you in USA:

• Unlimited Vacation Time as well as paid holidays and sick time

• Health and Wellness coverage options for Rocketeers and dependents

• Life and disability coverage

• Fidelity 401(k) and Roth Retirement Savings with matching contributions

• Monthly student debt benefit program

• Tuition Reimbursement and Certificate Reimbursement Program opportunities

• Leadership and skills training opportunities

EOE M/F/Vet/Disability.  Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

At Rocket Software, we believe AI is a critical enabler of innovation and productivity. All Rocketeers are expected to actively leverage AI-powered tools and technologies, where appropriate, to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and deliver greater impact in their roles. Embracing continuous learning and the responsible use of AI is an essential part of how we work.

Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.  If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call: 781-577-4321 or send an email to people@rocketsoftware.com.  We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

As part of our commitment to a safe and trustworthy workplace, we include background and reference checks in our hiring process.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!