Director of Benefits & Operations

Eileen Fisher

Director of Benefits & Operations

Lake Forest, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    EILEEN FISHER creates simple, sustainable, timeless clothes designed to work together as a system. We make our clothes with intention, supporting people to build their wardrobe meaningfully each season. And we make our clothes to last—and then take them back through our Renew team to be reworn and loved again, or through our Waste No More team, to be remade into entirely new felted designs. We believe in the fundamental potential of every person—our employees, our customers and those who make our clothes—and are committed to cultivating conditions that empower people. It’s all part of our commitment to doing business in a way that helps build a better industry. And a better future. EILEEN FISHER is one of the largest women’s fashion companies to be a certified B Corporation, which means we voluntarily meet high criteria for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

    Values Statement :

    As a founder led Company, our values are deeply embedded in and shape our culture. Our values are a shared responsibility embodied in every position and are intended to be woven into all that we do; how we approach our work and how we interact with one another. Our values support our commitment to Diversity, Equity + Inclusion, and our commitment to Sustainability guides us to protect our limited natural resources, fight climate change, support human rights and social impact, and inspire the fashion industry to embrace circularity.

    • We are authentic

    • We thrive in connection

    • We trust each other

    • We innovate through creativity

    • We are committed to the health of the whole

    • We are united by purpose

    Position Summary :

    The Director of Benefits & Operations is a critical thinker who will oversee and enhance the organization's benefits, leaves and human resources operations. The role has a strong focus on medical & dental benefits, retirement plans, leave management and HR operations. This role requires a strategic leader with a comprehensive understanding of HR practices and the ability to manage and optimize HR systems and processes to support our dynamic workforce.

    The role operationalizes the organization’s compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations and serves as program administrator for all Benefits programs, and primary contact for all benefits vendors. In partnership with People & Culture leaders, the incumbent establishes quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines and standards. The role supports the organization’s efforts in reporting, deriving meaningful and actionable insights for the organization’s DEI, Corporate Social Responsibility and values programs.

    Duties and Responsibilities :

    Benefits:

    • Strategically drive utilization of programs that enhance the employee value proposition in response to market offerings

    • Manage the organization's medical benefits programs, including health, dental, and vision plans.

    • Conduct regular reviews of benefits offerings to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.

    • Work with benefits providers and brokers to resolve issues and negotiate plan terms.

    • Lead education on benefits, including financial, health and wellness, etc.

    Retirement Plans:

    • Oversee the administration of the company’s 401(k) and ESOP retirement plans.

    • Ensure compliance with federal regulations and plan guidelines.

    • Collaborate with plan administrators to manage plan performance and communicate benefits to employees.

    • Provide support and education to employees regarding ESOP and 401(k) benefits and procedures.

    • Work with financial advisors and legal counsel to oversee ESOP transactions and reporting.

    Leaves Management:

    • Oversee all aspects of employee leave programs, including FMLA, disability, and other leave types.

    • Develop and implement leave policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave regulations.

    • Provide guidance to employees and managers.

    HR Operations & Compliance
    • Lead day-to-day HR operations, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality service delivery, efficient processes and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
    • Support the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
    • Serve as the lead for People & Culture projects, initiatives and programs. Translate projects and programs into sustainable operations in partnership with accounting, payroll and compensation teams.
    • Develop, generate and analyze standard and special reports pertaining to personnel data, including demographics & staffing, EEO/DEI efforts, turnover, hiring, compensation and promotions, benefits costs.
    • Maintain and expand knowledge and understanding of existing federal, state and municipal laws/regulations affecting human resource management.
    • Identify trends that could affect organizational objectives and advise accordingly.

    HR Information Systems (HRIS):
    • Manage the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the HRIS.
    • Ensure accurate and timely data entry and reporting.
    • Analyze HRIS data to provide insights and recommendations for HR strategy and decision-making.
    Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure system integration and functionality.

    Team & Operational Leadership:

    • Lead and develop Sr. Benefits Specialist.

    • Ensure organization’s people functions are equitable and inclusive.

    • Budget holder for company benefits program and benefits department expenditures.

    • Support & influence senior leaders as subject matter expert.

    • In partnership with the Vice President and People & Culture Directors, lead the P&C function in establishing priorities, driving the employee value proposition, and supporting the development of the People & Culture team members.

    Required Skills

    Required Experience

    Education :

    • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred or equivalent experience

    Required Skills & Experience:

    • Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience required, including 3+ years in a leadership role.

    • In-depth knowledge of medical benefits, retirement plans and leave management required.

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.

    • Experience managing HRIS systems and HR operations preferred.

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels.

    • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.

    • Experience in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.

    The pay range for this position is $160K - 180K depending on relevant experience. Further, we offer a competitive total rewards package including Company bonus, health benefits, employee stock ownership, wellbeing allowance and generous PTO and clothing allowance.

    EILEEN FISHER, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.

  • Industry
    Financial Services