Director of Benefits
Xcel Energy
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Minneapolis • Colorado • Minnesota • United States
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Salary
💰 $148,400 - $210,733 per year
Job Level
About the role
- Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that aligns with the Total Rewards organization’s philosophy to support business objectives
- Champion innovative program offers in response to diverse workforce demographics and needs
- Benchmark existing programs against industry standards and leverage workforce analytics, program data and employee surveys to assess the effectiveness and return on investment of benefits programs
- Make evidence-based decisions for continuous improvement by analyzing program costs, utilization, and claims data to optimize plan design and control expenses while maintaining or enhancing value for employees
- Partner with HR Technology and HR Operations to ensure understanding of system and administration implications based on new and revised plan design structures
- Collaborate closely with the Total Rewards Program Manager on labor strategy framework and serve as a backup when needed in negotiation sessions
- Lead the selection and management of third-party benefits vendors and consultants through the development of RFPs, proposal evaluation, and solution implementation
- Foster strong relationships with external partners to ensure high-quality service delivery and continuous innovation
- Partner with Finance and vendors to monitor costs, analyze financial drivers, and find ways to reduce impact
- Work with Sourcing to manage agreements and establish plans for assessing terms and negotiating before contract expiration
- Partner with legal counsel and external advisors to stay abreast of regulatory trends and proactively respond to legislative changes to ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations
- Oversee audits, reporting, filings, and documentation to mitigate risk and maintain legal compliance
- Develop and execute comprehensive benefits communication strategies to maximize awareness, understanding, and employee participation
- Solicit and incorporate employee feedback to ensure programs meet evolving needs and preferences
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing benefits team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Promote cross-functional partnerships within HR, finance, legal, and operations to drive integrated solutions and strategic alignment
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits, with at least 5 years in a leadership or strategic role
- Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefits, including health and welfare, retirement, voluntary benefits, and wellness programs
- Strong understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing benefits at the federal and state levels
- Demonstrated expertise in program design, vendor management, data analysis, and cost management
- Proficiency with HRIS, benefits administration systems, and analytics platforms
- Professional certifications such as CEBS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar credentials preferred
- Workday experience as a user preferred
- Prior union exposure / labor negotiation exposure (supported a company that has bargaining employees) preferred
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
benefits strategy developmentprogram designvendor managementdata analysiscost managementemployee benefits knowledgeworkforce analyticsprogram evaluationcontinuous improvementlegal compliance
Soft Skills
leadershipcollaborationrelationship buildingcommunicationnegotiationmentoringstrategic alignmentproblem-solvinginnovationemployee engagement
Certifications
CEBSSPHRSHRM-SCPadvanced degree in HR or businessprofessional certifications in benefits management