Director, Associate Benefits

Overview

Southeastern Grocers is committed to a culture of belonging and fostering an inclusive environment where we celebrate differences. As a great place to work, we empower everyone to be their full, authentic selves. Read our Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Statement here.

Director, Associate Benefits

Job Purpose

Job Purpose

Manages the team responsible for developing, managing, and overseeing the strategic direction of associate wellbeing and benefits programs, ensuring compliance with regulations, enhancing associate satisfaction, and optimizing cost-effectiveness. Health wellbeing includes benefits like medical, prescription, dental, vision, wellness, etc. Social and Family wellbeing includes benefits like leave of absence, paid time off, life insurance, disability, etc. This role collaborates with senior leadership, HR teams, and external vendor partners to design and implement competitive benefits packages that attract and retain top talent while aligning with organizational goals. Oversees preparation and distribution of written, verbal, and on-line information to inform associates of benefit programs and other information both in corporate and field environments.

Essential Responsibilities

Percent Of Responsibilities

Responsibility

% Of Time

Benefits Strategy & Program Management

Develop and execute comprehensive benefits strategies, including health, wellness and leave programs. Evaluate current benefits offerings and recommend enhancements to ensure competitiveness, incentive a consumerism culture, and align with company objectives. Oversee annual benefits enrollment, plan renewals and communication strategies.

30%

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, PPACA and Section 125 benefits plans), state, and local regulations. Manage audits, reporting, and documentation related to benefits compliance. Partner with legal and compliance teams to mitigate risks and maintain governance. Oversees the benefit plan governance processes (e.g. coordinate plan amendments and vendor reviews).  Prepares and files required State and Federal reports including Form 5500s.

20%

Vendor & Budget Management

Manages the broker, vendor, and service provider relationships. Evaluates their services, coverage, options, and determines if programs are meeting/exceeding the needs of the organization. Monitor vendor performance and ensure service level agreements are met. Manage benefits budget, analyze costs, and drive cost-effective solutions. Directs the work of the benefits team, manages departmental development and ensures communication, collaboration, and alignment with key HR and functional business partners.  Holds team, partners, and vendors accountable.

20%

Employee Experience & Communication

Effectively and efficiently manages communication campaigns during Open Enrollment and throughout the year for new and current associates. Assists in the preparation of associate benefits communications, printed materials, and web-based information. Ensures the HR Support Center has what they need to answer most associate questions, and provide information for higher-level escalation concerns. Develops creative ways to reinforce messages of health and wellness.  Balances communications timelines appropriate for both field and Store Support Center environments. Drive initiatives to enhance employee well-being and engagement.

20%

Data Analysis & Reporting

10%

Conducts benefits gap analysis while monitoring industry trends and benchmarking against market data. Analyzes existing benefits policies of organization, and prevailing practices among similar organizations, to establish competitive benefits programs. Recommends benefit program design concepts to senior leadership and develops strategies to achieve short and long term objectives. Ensures benefit programs meet/exceed associate expectations within prescribed budgetary constraints.  Shares data and insights as appropriate.

Disclaimer

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education

Course of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Human resources, business administration, finance, statistics, psychology, or related.

Preferred Education

Course of Study

Master's Degree

Human resources, business administration, finance, statistics, psychology, or related.

Relevant Experience

Supervisory Experience

15 yrs minimum

10 yrs minimum

Language(s) Required

Language(s) Preferred

English

English, Spanish

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

·   Strong knowledge of benefits regulations, compliance, and industry best practices.

·   Advanced PC skills in Microsoft Office.

·   Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.

·   Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·   Ability to develop and analyze financial reports.

·   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey complex and detailed information to a diverse population including associates, leadership, and vendors.

·   Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.

·   Self-motivated with the ability to complete work assignments using independent judgment and discretion.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred

·   7-10 years of experience in benefits administration, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.

·   Experience with HRMS applications such as PeopleSoft.

·   Experience with database tools such as Tableau or DOMO.

·   Retail, consumer products, or hospitality experience.

·   Any of the following certifications: SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CBP, CEBS.

Environmental Factors

Department

Human Resources

Environmental Factors

SSC Light: Physical Demands: While performing the essential functions of this position, the associate is regularly required to sit, use hands or fingers to handle, hold or feel objects, tools or controls, talk, see, hear and perform repetitive movements with both hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk on carpet, tile or concrete Working Conditions: Majority of the time will be spent indoors in a traditional office environment. Safety Risk Factors: The employee is rarely required to twist back and/or neck and walk on a slippery or cluttered floor surface. Overall Required Equipment a personal computer, telephone, printer, copy machine, fax machine and other general office supplies and equipment. Pulling Requirement 20 lbs. Lifting Requirement 20 lbs.

Location and Travel Requirements

Location

Hybrid

Travel Percent, Overnight & Motus

Travel Percent

10%

Overnight

Yes

Motus Eligible

No