Director, Benefits Strategy

Eversource Energy - Manchester, NH

Full-time - Senior

Manchester, NH

Utilities

About the position

The Director of Benefits Strategy at Eversource 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

• Oversee the design, implementation, and communication of benefit programs for employees, retirees, and executives, ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
• Build effective relationships between HR Operations & Service Delivery and HR Benefits Strategy teams for compliant administration and communication of benefit programs.
• Develop long-term strategy and oversee financial management of all benefit programs and contracts.
• Complete actuarial valuations, review benefits billing, conduct discrimination testing, and plan for open enrollment.
• Ensure efficient HR administrative services for company-sponsored and voluntary benefit programs.
• Manage relationships with benefit plan vendors and outsourced service providers.
• Comply with governmental regulatory finance and accounting requirements, excluding SEC requirements.
• Develop and manage benefits budgets, accounting, and cash flow for all employee benefit programs.
• Ensure appropriate governance and accounting practices for benefits programs in partnership with Legal and Finance.
• Direct all aspects of benefits communications, including messaging and written/electronic communications related to benefits programs.
• Develop and manage staff capacity to meet customer expectations and assure high productivity and job satisfaction.
• Collaborate across HR in support of other business priorities, such as labor benefits negotiations.
• Serve as the Company witness in regulatory proceedings, rate cases, and management audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of increasing responsibility in benefits management.
• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits programs and relevant laws (ERISA, IRS, ACA, DOL).
• Strong financial management and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication, able to interface effectively at all organizational levels.

Nice-to-haves

• Benefits Certificate preferred.