Director of Benefits
Location:
Indianapolis, IN Company:
Steak 'n Shake Reports to:
Vice President of Human Resources
About the Role
Steak 'n Shake is seeking a
Director of Benefits
to lead the strategy, administration, and execution of our benefits programs across a large, multi-state employee population. This role reports directly to the
Vice President of Human Resources , serves as a member of the
HR Leadership Team , and manages
one internal direct report .
This position is ideal for a benefits leader who enjoys both
strategic ownership and hands-on execution -someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while shaping programs that directly impact employees' lives.
Key Responsibilities
Benefits Strategy & Administration Own the design, delivery, and day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and voluntary benefits Evaluate benefit offerings regularly to ensure competitiveness, cost effectiveness, and alignment with company goals Open Enrollment
Lead annual open enrollment from end to end, including planning, vendor coordination, communications, system setup, and post-enrollment reconciliation Ensure a smooth, accurate, and employee-friendly enrollment experience Compliance & Governance
Oversee
ACA compliance and reporting , including vendor coordination and regulatory deadlines Manage
401(k) retirement plan governance , including vendor oversight, audits, and fiduciary compliance Administer and ensure compliance with
FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws Maintain compliance across multiple states and jurisdictions Vendor Management
Serve as primary point of contact for benefits brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and retirement plan vendors Lead renewals, RFPs, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance management Operational Excellence & Leadership
Provide day-to-day leadership and development for
one internal direct report Maintain accurate benefits data, documentation, and reporting Troubleshoot escalated employee issues and complex benefit cases Partner closely with HR leadership, finance, legal, and operations teams to improve processes, controls, and systems Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience) 7+ years
of progressive experience in employee benefits administration and compliance Demonstrated ownership of
open enrollment execution
in a multi-state environment Strong working knowledge of
ACA compliance and reporting Hands-on experience administering
401(k) retirement plans Practical experience with
FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws Proven experience managing external vendors (brokers, carriers, TPAs) Ability and willingness to perform detailed, operational work in addition to strategic leadership Preferred Qualifications
10+ years
of benefits experience, including leadership responsibility Experience supporting a
large, distributed, hourly workforce
across multiple states Prior experience in retail, hospitality, restaurant, or similarly complex operating environments Professional certifications such as
CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or SPHR Experience leading benefits through periods of growth, change, or transformation Strong data, audit, and reporting orientation Competencies & Work Style
Self-starter
who works independently and takes ownership Highly detail-oriented
with strong follow-through Thrives in a
fast-paced, ever-changing environment Comfortable getting
"in the weeds"
with day-to-day work-this is not a purely advisory role Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong judgment
Why Steak 'n Shake
Steak 'n Shake offers the opportunity to lead benefits in a highly visible, impactful role within the HR organization. As a member of the
HR Leadership Team , you will help shape programs that directly affect employees across the country while partnering closely with senior leadership.
Location:
Indianapolis, IN Company:
Steak 'n Shake Reports to:
Vice President of Human Resources
About the Role
Steak 'n Shake is seeking a
Director of Benefits
to lead the strategy, administration, and execution of our benefits programs across a large, multi-state employee population. This role reports directly to the
Vice President of Human Resources , serves as a member of the
HR Leadership Team , and manages
one internal direct report .
This position is ideal for a benefits leader who enjoys both
strategic ownership and hands-on execution -someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while shaping programs that directly impact employees' lives.
Key Responsibilities
Benefits Strategy & Administration Own the design, delivery, and day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and voluntary benefits Evaluate benefit offerings regularly to ensure competitiveness, cost effectiveness, and alignment with company goals Open Enrollment
Lead annual open enrollment from end to end, including planning, vendor coordination, communications, system setup, and post-enrollment reconciliation Ensure a smooth, accurate, and employee-friendly enrollment experience Compliance & Governance
Oversee
ACA compliance and reporting , including vendor coordination and regulatory deadlines Manage
401(k) retirement plan governance , including vendor oversight, audits, and fiduciary compliance Administer and ensure compliance with
FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws Maintain compliance across multiple states and jurisdictions Vendor Management
Serve as primary point of contact for benefits brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and retirement plan vendors Lead renewals, RFPs, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance management Operational Excellence & Leadership
Provide day-to-day leadership and development for
one internal direct report Maintain accurate benefits data, documentation, and reporting Troubleshoot escalated employee issues and complex benefit cases Partner closely with HR leadership, finance, legal, and operations teams to improve processes, controls, and systems Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience) 7+ years
of progressive experience in employee benefits administration and compliance Demonstrated ownership of
open enrollment execution
in a multi-state environment Strong working knowledge of
ACA compliance and reporting Hands-on experience administering
401(k) retirement plans Practical experience with
FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws Proven experience managing external vendors (brokers, carriers, TPAs) Ability and willingness to perform detailed, operational work in addition to strategic leadership Preferred Qualifications
10+ years
of benefits experience, including leadership responsibility Experience supporting a
large, distributed, hourly workforce
across multiple states Prior experience in retail, hospitality, restaurant, or similarly complex operating environments Professional certifications such as
CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or SPHR Experience leading benefits through periods of growth, change, or transformation Strong data, audit, and reporting orientation Competencies & Work Style
Self-starter
who works independently and takes ownership Highly detail-oriented
with strong follow-through Thrives in a
fast-paced, ever-changing environment Comfortable getting
"in the weeds"
with day-to-day work-this is not a purely advisory role Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong judgment
Why Steak 'n Shake
Steak 'n Shake offers the opportunity to lead benefits in a highly visible, impactful role within the HR organization. As a member of the
HR Leadership Team , you will help shape programs that directly affect employees across the country while partnering closely with senior leadership.