Senior Director Employee Benefits, Compliance and Compensation

Senior Director Employee Benefits, Compliance and Compensation

Chicago

Regular

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 27 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years.

If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!

YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE

We are looking for a Senior Director Employee Benefits, Compliance and Compensation in 401 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611 USA. Your mission will be to:

Senior Director Employee Benefits, Compliance and Compensation plans, develops, manages and leads the employee benefit programs and government compliance programs within the organization, in addition to providing administrative support for those plans to employees, retirees, beneficiaries and divisions. Responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs and government compliance requirements across the United States and Canada, including regional and provincial regulations. This includes oversight of health, dental, vision, disability, workers' compensation, life insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending, and leave programs, while ensuring compliance with laws such as ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA (USA) and corresponding provincial labor and benefit regulations (Canada) This position provides excellent customer service, designs quality benefits plans and ensures government compliance requirements are met. Continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. and Canada benefits administration, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, and other regulatory compliance standards.
• Strong understanding of compensation structures and pay equity principles.
• Proven track record designing and implementing benefits and compensation programs across multiple states or regions.
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate it into strategic insight.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office / Google Suite
• Excellent negotiation skills for vendor and contract management.
  

Management Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing benefits and compensation. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage vendor relationships. Experience managing budgets and influencing enterprise-wide strategy.

Qualifications Desired

• Advanced spreadsheet skills.
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), or SHRM-SCP/PHR/SPHR
  certification.
• Experience leading DEI-related pay equity and benefits reviews.
• Familiarity with international benefits practices (especially in Canada) is a plus.
• Previous experience supporting HR legal compliance efforts or managing government audits (e.g., OFCCP, EEOC).
• Experience with M&A integration from a benefits and compensation lens.
• Fluency in a second language (e.g., Spanish or French) is a bonus for global collaboration.

YOUR PROFILE

• Manages the effective implementation, integration, and execution of employee and retiree health and welfare benefit programs to ensure accuracy in benefits delivery, strong plan performance, regulatory compliance, and cost containment.
• Manages the development and maintenance of an effective annual open enrolment, including: coordinating resources (i.e. Human Resource Administration, Information Technology and Marketing) for the delivery of benefit enrolment; developing effective communications to maximize employee understanding of benefit programs and the system enrolment process (including the design and delivery of open enrolment presentations at various employee sites).
• Manage all benefits related compliance activity (i.e. ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA) including the development, implementation, documentation, and monitoring of compliance related matters; meeting or exceeding all regulatory agency guidelines and standards.
• Prepares, reviews, and obtains necessary documentation for qualified plans, with legal consultation; IRS and ERISA mandated submissions and employee communications, including Plan Documents, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary of Material Modifications (SMMs), and insurance policies.
• Advises and directs colleagues on resolution of complicated benefit issues including working with carriers to resolve outstanding issues.
• Provides management oversight of all Health and Welfare vendors to ensure accuracy in benefits delivery and strong plan performance, including resolution of claims and administrative issues.
• Analyses health and welfare statistics and presents key findings to management.
• Leads the organizational focus for his/her assigned area(s) of responsibility on customer service at every touch point while simultaneously delivering operational effectiveness.
• Maintains knowledge of benefit trends and regulations in the area of Health and Welfare to ensure that new trends/regulations are incorporated in the current and future benefit programs of the Company to help differentiate the Company as an employer of choice.
• Will assist the Vice President of HR with ensuring compensation programs are aligned with the company's compensation philosophy and overall talent strategy.
• Partner with CFO & VPHR to align employee pay levels with the external and internal value of the job as well as employee performance.
• Maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and provincial legal requirements impacting pay programs, including wage transparency laws, pay equity legislation, and employment standards across U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
• Formulates, communicates, and directs compensation strategies and programs which drive attainment of business plan objectives and respond to competitive labor market conditions.
• Directs preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits programs such as insurance plans, pension plans, 401(k), life and special employer-sponsored plans.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for compliance related concerns and support the HR team with business strategic initiatives and annual milestones.
• Design, develop and deliver online and face-to-face awareness education for HR Business Partners, leadership, and management teams (including hiring managers) on benefits, retirement and compensation strategies.
• Complete annual policy and program updates of the EEO/VETS and all Title VII federal initiatives ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, policies and guidelines and in collaboration with internal and external institutional partners.
• Serve as the HR point of contact for internal or external audits or claims including but not limited to DOL investigations, EEOC claims, OFCCP audits, or external process audits.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.

Communication

• Vendors/Suppliers: Liaises with vendors for procurement of services. Negotiates pricing and ensures timely delivery of services.
• Team Members: Collaborates with team members in the HR department to ensure effective execution of tasks, exchange of information, and teamwork in daily operations.
• Cross-Functional Teams: Cross-Functional Teams: Maintains regular collaboration with cross-functional teams across the U.S. and Canada, such as Finance, Payroll, Procurement, and Legal, to ensure cohesive and compliant implementation of HR strategies and programs.

• Regularly required to sit for long periods, use hands to type, handle documents, and operate office equipment.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision for reviewing documents and computer work.
• Work is performed in a typical office setting. The noise level is usually quiet.
• Must handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Moderate travel across U.S. and Canadian locations is required to support HR operations, training sessions, compliance audits, vendor meetings, and employee engagement initiatives.

Compensation Package Overview:
Compensation Range $140,000 - 155,000 annual salary.
Potential bonus: Up to 20% based on performance.

Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Generous vacation package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.

The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.

WHY JOIN US?

• Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 50 years of experience and expertise.
• Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• Because you would grow in an international group of more than 8200 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.

Ready for the journey?

To apply please click on 'Apply now' button