Overview Ardent Health Services (AHS) is a national health care services company headquartered in Nashville, TN. Through its subsidiaries, Ardent owns and operates nearly 200 sites of care. Our subsidiaries own and operate hospitals and multispecialty physician practices in six states. Ardent includes 30 hospitals, 4,423 patient beds, 23,000 employees, and 1,700 employed physicians. Within the industry, we are noted for recognizing that every hospital is as unique as the community it serves. This in-depth understanding of how health care works at the local level is one of our great strengths. POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Benefits is responsible for the leadership, strategy, design, implementation, and ongoing management of the company's employee benefits programs including healthcare, defined contribution retirement plans, time off, and wellbeing. Requires a deep understanding of benefits regulations, best practices, and a strategic approach to designing and delivering competitive and cost-effective benefits packages that attract, retain, and engage employees. Leads a team of benefits professionals to deliver innovative and sustainable benefits solutions that enable our broader talent strategy and business objectives, while driving operational excellence in the administration of our benefits programs. Responsibilities Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive benefits strategy in all core benefit areas including health, vision, dental, life, disability, leave management, wellbeing, and retirement. Manages relationships and monitors performance with external benefits vendors including consultants, brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. Analyzes benefits data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, monitor costs, and make data-driven recommendations for improvements. Collaborates with finance partners on overall cost management. Scans and reviews marketplace trends, relevant regulations, and other factors in order to inform internal strategy for what may impact plan performance and program competitiveness. Oversees the development and implementation of effective communication strategies to inform and educate employees about benefits programs and resources. Provides expertise to internal stakeholders in technical areas of benefit policy and programs. Works with health carriers and internal stakeholders to manage processes related to the medical plan domestic tier requirements. Manages maintenance and updates for Employee Self-Service Benefit Portal for each plan year. Creates updates and improvements of the external benefit website. Ensures all benefits programs comply with applicable local and regional laws and regulations. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records and documentation. Stays abreast of changes in legislation and regulatory requirements. Performs other job-related functions as assigned. Qualifications Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting or related field is required Minimum of 10 years of human resources experience with emphasis on employee benefits design and administration Previous experience managing plans and vendor negotiations including evaluations of RFPs Experience building and improving workplace benefits policies and practices Experience with mergers and acquisitions, Sarbanes-Oxley, and the ACA is required. Strong command of Excel and ability to provide data analysis, preferred. Experience with Lawson, preferred. Relevant certifications such as CEBS or CBP, preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of accounting and actuarial principles associated with financial reporting of benefit programs Demonstrated success in designing and implementing innovative benefit programs that had positive impact on business results. Innovative problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Flexible, resilient, and agile. Capable of handling unexpected challenges. Positive attitude, professional demeanor, and consultative approach.