Director, Benefits - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $134,850.00 - $195,525.00

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the general direction of the EVP, HR & Corporate Services, is responsible for designing, planning, managing, and implementing of all GROWMARK System group benefit plans by providing strategic direction, consultation, and administrative leadership on matters related to all U.S. and Canadian benefits related topics. 

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

Supervises, leads and develops the benefits department for the GROWMARK System.  Provides benefits related leadership, training and communications to all GROWMARK System employers to assure competitive, consistent, and compliant benefit programs. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Creates overall benefit strategy that meets current and future needs and is consistent with the GROWMARK System’s desired market position.

• Designs and implements a comprehensive and competitive benefits strategy for the U.S. and Canadian GROWMARK System employers. 
• Develops and maintains significant relationships with key leaders, stakeholders, and vendors to ensure that all programs match the mission and vision of the organization and increase engagement with employees.
• Acts as a strategic partner working with key individuals to maintain a competitive total rewards program.
• Utilizes data analytics, research, and trends to create innovative approaches to wellness, healthcare, and retirement.

Communicates the value of the benefit strategy and program to the GROWMARK System

• Determines and implements appropriate communications strategy to educate employees on benefit programs and changes.
• Utilizes training opportunities to better educate employers and employees in how to manage, maintain, and plan for health and retirement issues and opportunities in the future.

Administers GROWMARK System employee benefit programs:

• Assures compliance with government regulations.  Oversees the GROWMARK, Inc. and GROWMARK Member Cooperative 401(k) Savings Plan nondiscrimination testing. Provides benefits related direction and coordination with Member Services regarding System employer consolidation, merger, acquisition, and dissolution. Directs benefits administration with Payroll and appropriate third-party benefits administrators and auditors to ensure implementation of effective and efficient administration procedures.
• Leads and directs Administrative committees, including MEWA, Healthcare Administration, Pension, 401(k), etc.
• Serves as the primary benefits contact, providing leadership to all U.S. and Canadian GROWMARK System employers and employees ensuring proper administration and compliance of all GROWMARK sponsored group benefit plans.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Serve as a member of the Human Resources leadership team to contribute and support departmental initiatives.

Assists with employee relations issues that may be impacted by benefits.

Responsible for encouraging, supporting, and promoting innovative practices, ideas, and technologies within the team.

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance or related field with a minimum of 8-10 years of experience administering, managing and designing benefit programs.  Prefer professional benefits certification or the ability to obtain one within two years.

Proven track record planning, designing, and evolving benefit plans to meet the needs of an organization.

Experience with retirement plans, both Defined Benefits (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) plans.  Must have knowledge of Federal/State benefit laws and Canadian benefit programs. 

Experience with U.S. and Canadian pension and welfare plan design, legislation and administration along with benefit plan strategy, business impact, budgeting, and communications.

Experience with due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, ACA, ERISA regulations, and other organizational change and regulatory requirements.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Proven professional customer service skills.  Demonstrated planning, organization, time management, problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.

Proven team building skills and the ability to work independently and within team-oriented environment. 

Proven computer skills and the ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.

Proven ability to apply finance principles to Human Resources and benefits strategic planning.

Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

Must have, or obtain, a passport for travel.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.