Northwestern Mutual · 11 hours ago
Assistant Director, Benefits
Milwaukee, WI
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$95K/yr - $176K/yr
10+ years expNorthwestern Mutual is seeking an Assistant Director, Benefits to lead cross-functional project teams in implementing new benefit plans and improving existing processes. This role focuses on enhancing employee health and welfare benefits through innovative programs and financial education.
AdviceConsultingEmployee BenefitsFinanceFinancial ServicesInsuranceLife InsuranceWealth Management
Responsibilities
Use knowledge of emerging benefit trends and changes in the legal/regulatory environment to proactively recommend changes to the health and wellbeing strategy for employees
Explore and integrate targeted health programs in areas of need such as weight management, sleep health, women's health, and neurodiversity. Develop programs that are accessible and promote employee engagement
Perform research into Centers of Excellence to determine role in future health care strategy
Design “NM wellbeing series”, partnering with team members to tap into existing vendor eco-system and exploring additional offerings in line with objectives
Create financial education offerings and integrate into employee benefits programs to enhance understanding and decision-making
Lead cross-functional project teams to implement new benefit plans or changes to existing plans, managing project team, scope, schedule, and budget
Demonstrate openness to and interest in employee feedback to inform the development and enhancement of benefits program; utilize established feedback mechanisms such as surveys and focus groups to gauge employee satisfaction and gather insights
Collaborate with internal team and existing vendors to identify best practices and innovative solutions, leveraging external benchmarking
Research, analyze, recommend, design and develop new benefit programs or processes or modifications to existing benefits programs/processes to improve service, increase productivity, reduce cost or comply with federal/state laws
Serve as a subject-matter expert on benefit plan design, providing data and analysis to department leadership
Manage the annual benefits budget for all vendors in portfolio, using metrics to recommend cost-control changes
Lead the client-side of sourcing processes for third-party health plan vendors, reviewing service agreements, and negotiating contracts
Maintain a strong awareness of trends and offerings in the external environment and identify opportunities and best practices for NM
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's in Business, Accounting, Finance, Math or a related field plus 10+ years' experience with the designing, costing and developing strategy for Employee Benefit plans
Experience leading people, either directly or via project teams
Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of federal and state employee benefit regulations
Project Management: Demonstrated success managing projects to scope, schedule, and budget, with the ability to lead project teams
Ability to influence without direct authority and negotiate compromise, with both internal and external stakeholders
Strong analytical and insight skills; advanced skills in Microsoft Excel a plus
Experience in vendor evaluation and third-party sourcing process (RFI, RFP, etc.)
Preferred
Master's degree in business or related field or benefits designation strongly preferred
Benefits
Flexible work schedules
Concierge service
Comprehensive benefits
Employee resource groups
Company
Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, and investments.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Timothy Gerend
Chairman, President and CEO
Phil Odella
COO/CFO
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