Dir, Benefits

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Director of Benefits to join our team. Reporting to the SVP of HR, this leader will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and management of our benefits team, programs and function. This role requires an exceptional leader that is a strategic thinker that is capable of driving plan optimization through effective vendor management, team leadership, stakeholder engagement, change management, and the ability to present technical information to all levels of employees ranging from entry-level to executive leadership. This role is located in our St. Louis, MO headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Leadership

• Develop, implement, and administer comprehensive health & wellness and retirement programs that align with company objectives, employee needs and promotes a positive employee value prop.

• Ensure plans are administered in accordance with company policies and procedures, plan documentation, contractual agreements, and regulatory requirements (ERISA, IRS, DOL, FMLA, USERRA, and other federal, state, and local laws as applicable); work with outside counsel as needed.

• Provide ongoing analysis and assessment of current benefit program offerings and propose enhancements to ensure competitive and cost-effective solutions.

• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes impacting benefit plan design and administration to maintain compliance and innovation in benefit plans.

• Knowledge of health care strategies, specifically referenced based pricing healthcare plans and evolving trends, including the assessment and coverage of weight loss drugs and other well-being initiatives.

• Lead, mentor and develop the benefits team, building a collaborative, authentic, and high-performance culture.

• Ensure the benefits team delivers exceptional service to employees and maintains high standards of accuracy and efficiency.

• Consult with HR and Senior Leadership to develop optimal cost management solutions and execute effective delivery of programs.

• Manage due diligence and integration activities relating to benefits programs/offerings related to mergers and acquisitions.

Plan Optimization Through Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with benefits carriers, brokers, and other vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring optimal service delivery.

• Monitor vendor performance and implement improvements to enhance plan efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Communication and Executive Presence

• Communicate complex technical information in a clear and concise manner, facilitating informed decision-making for HR and Executive Leadership teams.

• Prepare and deliver presentations on benefits programs to executive leadership.

• Develop plans to educate and build awareness of company health and wellness programs and how the company benefits programs fit into their total rewards package.

• Demonstrated expert-level proficiency with Microsoft 365 collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook) to drive efficient communication and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in benefits management, with at least 8 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of reference-based pricing medical programs, benefits regulations, industry trends, and best practices.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.

• Assertive and confident leadership style, capable of driving high-impact initiatives and leading cross-functional teams.

• Experience in international benefits management (Canada), with a focus on regulatory compliance and cultural sensitivity.

• Ability to measure and articulate the perceived quality of benefits programs, using internal and external surveys and other metrics.

• Strong understanding of cost management solutions and the integration of acquired employees into existing benefits programs.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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