Director, Benefits Strategy

Eversource Energy - Berlin, CT

Full-time - Senior

Berlin, CT

Utilities

About the position

The Director of Benefits Strategy at Eversource Energy is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and communication of the company's benefit plans and programs. This role ensures that the benefits align with the organization's strategic objectives, are cost-effective, and competitive enough to attract and retain top talent. The position also involves compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and serves as the lead witness for benefits in regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the design, implementation, and communication of current and new benefit programs for employees, retirees, and executives, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
• Builds effective relationships between HR Operations & Service Delivery and HR Benefits Strategy teams for compliant administration and communication of benefit programs.
• Develops long-term strategy and oversees financial management of all benefit programs and contracts, including actuarial valuations and open enrollment planning.
• Ensures cost-effective HR administrative services covering all company-sponsored and voluntary benefit programs.
• Manages relationships with benefit plan vendors, outsourced benefits service providers, and brokers.
• Complies with governmental regulatory finance and accounting requirements, excluding SEC requirements.
• Develops and manages benefits budgets, accounting, and cash flow requirements for all employee benefit programs.
• Ensures appropriate governance and accounting practices for benefits programs in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Directs all aspects of benefits communications, including messaging and written/electronic communications related to benefits programs.
• Develops and manages staff capacity and flexibility to meet customer expectations and assure high productivity and job satisfaction.
• Works collaboratively across HR in support of other business priorities, such as labor benefits negotiations.
• Serves as the Company witness in regulatory proceedings, rate cases, and management audits.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits programs.
• Working knowledge of ERISA, IRS, ACA, DOL, and other laws relating to health and welfare and retirement plans.
• Strong financial management and analytical skills.
• Broad knowledge of business operations and associated information systems needs.
• Expertise in managing significant change and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in both written and oral communication, able to interface effectively at all organizational levels.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Benefits Certificate preferred.