Director/Sr. Director, Benefits
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., Lowell, AR, United States
Job Summary
The Director / Senior Director of Benefits provides strategic leadership for employee benefits and leave programs, including health and welfare, retirement, wellbeing, and leave of absence. This role builds on an established foundation to continuously enhance program design, service delivery, and the overall employee experience. This leader sets governance and strategic direction, partners across the enterprise and with external vendors, and leads a high‑performing team accountable for program performance, financial stewardship, and operational excellence—while championing an employee‑first culture focused on wellbeing and engagement.
Job Description Strategy & Program Leadership
Lead the strategy, design, administration, and optimization of benefits programs (health & welfare, retirement, wellbeing, and leave)
Align offerings with business objectives, talent strategy, and evolving employee needs
Serve as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders on plan design, cost drivers, and market trends
Conduct benchmarking and competitive analysis to maintain best‑in‑class offerings
Financial Management & Analytics
Develop and manage benefits budgets, forecasts, and long‑term projections
Analyze financial and operational performance, including trend analysis and ROI for programs and vendors
Drive data‑informed decisions through metrics, analytics, and reporting
Vendor & Governance Oversight
Lead vendor and broker strategy, selection, and performance management
Oversee contracts, service‑level agreements, and governance routines
Manage RFPs, market checks, and ongoing vendor optimization
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA
Maintain and update policies and procedures to reflect regulatory changes
Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors on audits, filings, and governance
Operations & Execution
Oversee benefits administration, eligibility, enrollment, billing, and data integrity
Lead annual renewals and open enrollment, including project management, communications, and system readiness. Partner with Marketing and HRIS
Ensure strong internal controls and accurate, timely program delivery
Retirement & Leave Programs
Provide oversight of retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), including governance, vendor management, and employee education
Lead leave of absence programs (medical, parental, statutory), including policy alignment, vendor oversight, and escalations
Coordinate closely with Payroll, HR Business Partners, and HRIS
Technology & Process Improvement
Partner with HRIS and Payroll to optimize system configurations and integrations
Drive automation, process improvements, and enhanced reporting capabilities
Employee Experience & Communications
Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits communication strategy across the employee lifecycle in partnership with Marketing
Ensure materials are clear, accessible, and aligned with employee needs
Act as the escalation point for complex issues while maintaining a high‑quality employee experience
Leadership & Collaboration
Lead, develop, and mentor a high‑performing team
Set performance goals and manage resources effectively
Partner with senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders (Finance, Legal, Payroll, HRBPs, Communications)
Regularly engage executive leadership to drive strategic outcomes
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
6+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, or 10+ years of equivalent combined education and experience
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
8+ years of benefits/total rewards experience
5+ years of people leadership experience
CEBS or related certification preferred
Experience & Skills
Deep expertise in benefits program design and administration within large, complex organizations
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA)
Experience managing retirement plans and leave of absence programs
Proven success leading open enrollment and renewal processes
Strong vendor management and negotiation experience (brokers, carriers, TPAs, PBMs)
Executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership
Strong analytical and financial acumen (budgeting, forecasting, ROI modeling)
Ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
Exceptional communication skills, including simplifying complex information
Strong project management, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities
High level of discretion and confidentiality
Additional Information The level of this role will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and may be aligned as Director I, Director II, or Senior Director in accordance with internal guidelines.
This position is not eligible for employment-based sponsorship.
Compensation Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include skills, education, experience, geography, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for annual bonus and incentives based on profitability or volumes in accordance with the terms of the Company’s bonus and incentive plans, as applicable and in effect from time to time.
The Company offers the following benefits for full‑time positions, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, as may be in effect from time to time: medical benefit, dental benefit, vision benefit, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, paid time off commensurate with tenure (includes vacation and sick time), two weeks of paid parental leave, and six paid holidays annually.
About Us Better benefits, clear career paths and a people‑first culture, because we are Driven for You™.
Headquartered in Northwest Arkansas, J.B. Hunt is a dominant force in transportation and logistics, offering exciting career opportunities both at corporate and at field locations across the country. There are a variety of job types that support our business, so no matter your passion, J.B. Hunt is the place to jumpstart your career.
Why J.B. Hunt? J.B. Hunt is a leading transportation and logistics company for one simple reason – our people. The career possibilities and benefits of working at J.B. Hunt are endless. From competitive salary and benefits packages, to defined career paths and growth opportunities, we take care of our people and take great pride in our efforts to build and sustain an inclusive workplace for all employees.
What are we looking for? J.B. Hunt welcomes high‑energy, forward‑thinking people of all backgrounds and experience levels to join our team. We offer full‑time, entry level, professional and management opportunities across all departments. Whether you are fresh out of school or bring years of industry experience, a role at J.B. Hunt could take your career to the next level.
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. J.B. Hunt is committed to basing employment decisions on the principles of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, persons with disabilities, protected veterans or other bases by applicable law.
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Job Description Strategy & Program Leadership
Lead the strategy, design, administration, and optimization of benefits programs (health & welfare, retirement, wellbeing, and leave)
Align offerings with business objectives, talent strategy, and evolving employee needs
Serve as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders on plan design, cost drivers, and market trends
Conduct benchmarking and competitive analysis to maintain best‑in‑class offerings
Financial Management & Analytics
Develop and manage benefits budgets, forecasts, and long‑term projections
Analyze financial and operational performance, including trend analysis and ROI for programs and vendors
Drive data‑informed decisions through metrics, analytics, and reporting
Vendor & Governance Oversight
Lead vendor and broker strategy, selection, and performance management
Oversee contracts, service‑level agreements, and governance routines
Manage RFPs, market checks, and ongoing vendor optimization
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA
Maintain and update policies and procedures to reflect regulatory changes
Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors on audits, filings, and governance
Operations & Execution
Oversee benefits administration, eligibility, enrollment, billing, and data integrity
Lead annual renewals and open enrollment, including project management, communications, and system readiness. Partner with Marketing and HRIS
Ensure strong internal controls and accurate, timely program delivery
Retirement & Leave Programs
Provide oversight of retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), including governance, vendor management, and employee education
Lead leave of absence programs (medical, parental, statutory), including policy alignment, vendor oversight, and escalations
Coordinate closely with Payroll, HR Business Partners, and HRIS
Technology & Process Improvement
Partner with HRIS and Payroll to optimize system configurations and integrations
Drive automation, process improvements, and enhanced reporting capabilities
Employee Experience & Communications
Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits communication strategy across the employee lifecycle in partnership with Marketing
Ensure materials are clear, accessible, and aligned with employee needs
Act as the escalation point for complex issues while maintaining a high‑quality employee experience
Leadership & Collaboration
Lead, develop, and mentor a high‑performing team
Set performance goals and manage resources effectively
Partner with senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders (Finance, Legal, Payroll, HRBPs, Communications)
Regularly engage executive leadership to drive strategic outcomes
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
6+ years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards, or 10+ years of equivalent combined education and experience
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
8+ years of benefits/total rewards experience
5+ years of people leadership experience
CEBS or related certification preferred
Experience & Skills
Deep expertise in benefits program design and administration within large, complex organizations
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA)
Experience managing retirement plans and leave of absence programs
Proven success leading open enrollment and renewal processes
Strong vendor management and negotiation experience (brokers, carriers, TPAs, PBMs)
Executive presence with experience presenting to senior leadership
Strong analytical and financial acumen (budgeting, forecasting, ROI modeling)
Ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
Exceptional communication skills, including simplifying complex information
Strong project management, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities
High level of discretion and confidentiality
Additional Information The level of this role will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and may be aligned as Director I, Director II, or Senior Director in accordance with internal guidelines.
This position is not eligible for employment-based sponsorship.
Compensation Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include skills, education, experience, geography, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for annual bonus and incentives based on profitability or volumes in accordance with the terms of the Company’s bonus and incentive plans, as applicable and in effect from time to time.
The Company offers the following benefits for full‑time positions, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, as may be in effect from time to time: medical benefit, dental benefit, vision benefit, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, paid time off commensurate with tenure (includes vacation and sick time), two weeks of paid parental leave, and six paid holidays annually.
About Us Better benefits, clear career paths and a people‑first culture, because we are Driven for You™.
Headquartered in Northwest Arkansas, J.B. Hunt is a dominant force in transportation and logistics, offering exciting career opportunities both at corporate and at field locations across the country. There are a variety of job types that support our business, so no matter your passion, J.B. Hunt is the place to jumpstart your career.
Why J.B. Hunt? J.B. Hunt is a leading transportation and logistics company for one simple reason – our people. The career possibilities and benefits of working at J.B. Hunt are endless. From competitive salary and benefits packages, to defined career paths and growth opportunities, we take care of our people and take great pride in our efforts to build and sustain an inclusive workplace for all employees.
What are we looking for? J.B. Hunt welcomes high‑energy, forward‑thinking people of all backgrounds and experience levels to join our team. We offer full‑time, entry level, professional and management opportunities across all departments. Whether you are fresh out of school or bring years of industry experience, a role at J.B. Hunt could take your career to the next level.
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. J.B. Hunt is committed to basing employment decisions on the principles of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, persons with disabilities, protected veterans or other bases by applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr