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The Director of Benefits leads the strategic planning, design, implementation, communication, and administration of all employee benefits programs at Simmons Bank. This individual will ensure that the bank’s benefits offerings are competitive, cost-effective, compliant with regulatory standards, and aligned with the company’s overall HR strategy. The Director will work closely with senior leadership and serve as a key advisor in evaluating and enhancing benefits to meet the evolving needs of Simmons Bank associates.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that aligns with the bank's goals and enhances employee engagement and retention.Oversee the administration of all benefits programs, including health insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans (401k), leave policies, disability, life insurance, transition of benefits plans during mergers and acquisitions, and other voluntary benefits.Manage the assessment and recommend the integration, continuation or termination of all acquired bank benefits plans and execute decisioning appropriately. Manage relationships with external benefits providers and brokers. Negotiate contracts, review performance, integrate vendors with bank systems and ensure delivery of high-quality services to employees.Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, and other applicable statutes. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and implement required adjustments.Design and deliver effective communication plans to educate employees on benefits programs, including annual enrollment materials, onboarding, and ongoing updates. Ensure clear and accessible information is available across multiple channels.Analyze benefits utilization and financial performance to provide insights and recommendations. Monitor trends, employee feedback, and industry benchmarks to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Partner with CHRO on benefits budget management, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining a competitive benefits offering. Provide regular reports on benefit costs and ROI to leadership.Act as a liaison between employees and the HR team to address benefit-related inquiries, resolve issues, and improve overall employee satisfaction with benefit offerings.Lead and mentor the benefits team members, fostering professional growth and ensuring high levels of performance and collaboration.Qualifications:
Strong understanding of employee benefits regulations and trends.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to write procedures.Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and issues.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deliver on strategic goals.Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.Proven leadership and team development skills.Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.8-10 years of experience in benefits administration, with at least 5 years in a leadership role preferred.Certifications:
CEBS, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR or equivalent certifications are a plus.Equal Employment Opportunity Information: Simmons First National Corporation and its subsidiaries are committed to a policy of equal employment with respect to a person's race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, covered veterans, military status, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected classifications. Simmons First National Corporation and its subsidiaries are committed to Affirmative Action Programs consisting of results-oriented procedures to ensure equal employment opportunities. These programs require positive action in lieu of neutral non-discrimination and merit hiring/performance policies.