Director, Employee Benefits, Advantage Dental+

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.  

Job Description:

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Internal candidates are not required to relocate near an office.

The opportunity:

The Director, Employee Benefits, Advantage Dental+ (AD+) will play a key role in helping to shape and communicate the strategic direction for health and welfare plans, retirement plans, wellness and leave of absence programs for AD+ employees, focusing on short and long-term goals.

How you will contribute:

• As a member of the Total Benefits Leadership team, help drive the strategic direction of AD+ benefit programs, aligning with overall business objectives and long-term organizational goals

• Drive the development and execution of health, welfare, retirement, wellness and leave of absence strategies that enhance employee experience while optimizing costs

• Lead data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics, industry trends, and market insights to inform long-term benefit strategies and program design

• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with key vendors, negotiate contracts and drive continuous improvement in service delivery and cost management

• Collaborate with senior leadership, including finance and actuarial teams, to develop forward-looking pricing models and contribution strategies that balance employee needs with financial objectives

• Foster a high performing team and provide strategic leadership and development to direct reports through coaching, continuous feedback, sharing expertise, and providing new experiences

• Evaluate health and welfare, 401(k) plan performance and leave of absence programs to identify trend drivers and recommend strategic opportunities for optimization

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to promote benefit programs and drive engagement

• Ensure benefit plans are compliant with all federal laws (including ERISA, COBRA, and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) as well as applicable state and local regulations

• Lead large-scale projects and change initiatives with a focus on stakeholder engagement, seamless integration, risk management and operational excellence

• Develop and implement opportunities to improve procedures and efficiencies

• Proactively stay current on industry best practices, legislation and periodic market evaluations, to ensure programs are optimized and compliant

• Manage integrations of acquired companies

What you will bring with you:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

• 10+ years of experience managing employee benefits for complex mid-size to large organizations, with a strong focus on innovative solutions, employee experience and financial management

• 2+ years of experience leading teams

• Deep expertise and experience in the design, administration and implementation of health and welfare and retirement plans

• Experience with mergers and acquisitions a plus

• Solid knowledge and understanding of HR programs and connections

• Knowledge of leave processes (short-term and long-term disability, FMLA, state leaves, work accommodations) and benefits compliance

• Strong decision-making and organizational skills

• Action-oriented, focused on execution, improving employees’ experience through continuous improvement, and operational excellence

• Excellent interpersonal/communications skills

• Skilled in stakeholder management, as well as proven ability to build and facilitate relationships and influence others at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally

• Excellent project management and planning skills including the ability to lead, plan, and organize complex assignments

• Excellent excel and analytical skills with ability to summarize results in understandable