Director, Benefits & Leave Administration - Modesto, CA

Director, Benefits & Leave Administration - Modesto, CA

The Director, Benefits and Leave Administration is responsible for directing the strategic planning, design, implementation, regulatory compliance, communication, and administration of all company-wide benefits and leave programs aligned with organizational objectives. The position is responsible for leading a team of benefits and leaves professionals who implement, maintain compliance, and administer the programs and work with vendors, consultants, and brokers to help us meet company and employee needs. The Director understands the importance of strong benefits programs in attracting and retaining top talent.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities :

• Contribute to developing the Total Rewards strategy across all business areas and functions in collaboration with others; ensure internal equity and external market competitiveness of benefit programs.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing benefits programs, policies and guidelines, and ensure cost effectiveness, alignment with organizational goals, and compliance with company policies, federal legislation, and other government and regulatory requirements.
• Direct the design, implementation, communication and cost control of benefits programs for employees and retirees.
• Collaborate with benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure the company is competitively positioned and stays current on market trends, legal requirements, and changes in the retail grocery industry.
• Collaborate with others to develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy for benefits programs and identify opportunities to improve employee participation and engagement; facilitate proactive and effective messaging to educate employees about benefits and leaves while promoting the company's people first culture and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with the Labor Relations Department on union negotiations relative to health and welfare benefit plan designs to ensure alignment with the company's labor strategy.
• Oversee the benefits budget, monitoring actual expenses to plans, and build partnerships with the Finance department to ensure accurate and timely accruals.
• Oversee leave of absence, accommodations, and unemployment insurance programs for all locations.
• Responsible for the interactive process of requests for accommodation including the "return-to-work" process, ensuring consistency and compliance with state and federal leave laws.
• Manage staff, coach, provide feedback, and set performance standards and work goals.

Some of our competitive offerings include generous benefits packages (Health, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, 401K), tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities, vacation and personal holidays, and in-store purchase discounts.

Hiring pay range : $150,000.00 - 205,000.00

Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) :

Education : Four-year college degree or equivalent knowledge gained through formal education, specialized training, or additional job experience required.

Experience : 10 years directly related experience, 7 years Management, Supervisor, and / or Leadership Experience

Other : Occasional travel required.