The Director of Benefits is responsible for strategic design and administration of employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance and optimizing vendor relationships while leading a high-performing team.
Grant Thornton is seeking a Director of Benefits to join the team in Chicago, IL or Downers Grove, IL.
The Director of Benefits is a senior-level leader responsible for the overall strategic design, administration and execution of our employee benefit offerings/programs. This includes health insurance, retirement plans and all wellness initiatives. Reporting to the U.S. Managing Director of People and partner closely with the Chief People Officer, this role is a key member of the People & Culture (P&C) People Experience leadership team.
This individual will be a partner in the development of our holistic Global Total Rewards strategy to develop policies, programs, recommending and implementing approved, new, or modified plans, and procedures that are aligned with the firm’s strategic goals and competitive objectives. The Benefits Director will lead a team of dedicated professionals focused on the discipline of Total Rewards, which includes colleagues both in the United States and across the multinational platform.
The Director of Benefits will partner and work closely with other Grant Thornton operations within the People & Culture (P&C) function across the multinational platform, to use best practices, data, insights, and trends to design and implement innovative strategies, benefits and resources to support Grant Thornton’s commitment to putting people first in supporting employee health and wellness. The Benefits Director will execute effective benefits and wellbeing programs and will be a visible leader and key partner in helping to bring Total Rewards forward. This role will present the benefits vision and initiatives in key business meetings. They will also lead complex, large-scale change initiatives, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, enterprise level financial and risk management, and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include leveraging data and insights to inform program design and measurement strategy, managing vendor relationships to optimize service delivery and costs, and staying updated on industry best practices and legislative changes to ensure compliance and program effectiveness.
Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to the following:
Core Responsibilities
Strategy, Design, and Governance
- Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy aligned to business objectives, firm values, and Total Rewards priorities.
- Lead the evaluation, design, and ongoing optimization of health, welfare, retirement, absence, and ancillary benefit programs.
- Monitor market trends, healthcare landscape changes, and industry best practices to ensure programs remain competitive and innovative.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing strategy aligned to business objectives, firm values, and Total Rewards priorities.
- Lead the evaluation, design, and ongoing optimization of health, welfare, retirement, absence, and ancillary benefit programs
- Monitor market trends, healthcare landscape changes, and industry best practices to ensure programs remain competitive and innovative.
- Design and implement effective communication strategies to educate employees about benefits programs.
Compliance, Risk, and Financial Management
- Ensure all benefits programs comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FLSA, and related requirements).
- Oversee audits, regulatory filings, and retirement plan governance; support and advise the retirement plan committee.
- Develop and manage the benefits budget, including forecasting, cost modeling, and financial reporting.
- Partner with actuaries and consultants to evaluate benefit costs, funding strategies, and plan sustainability.
Operations, Vendors, and Delivery Excellence
- Lead planning and execution of key annual processes, including open enrollment and regulatory reporting.
- Manage and negotiate vendor, broker, and consultant relationships to optimize service quality, cost, and performance.
- Drive operational excellence through process improvement, documentation, controls, and effective use of HR and Total Rewards technology.
- Resolve complex and escalated employee benefits issues with sound judgment and discretion.
Leadership, Collaboration, and Change
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing benefits team across onshore and offshore locations.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and employee-centric service.
- Partner closely with global P&C leaders and business stakeholders to translate strategy into effective implementation across geographies.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing benefits team across onshore and offshore locations.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and employee-centric service.
- Partner closely with global P&C leaders and business stakeholders to translate strategy into effective implementation across geographies.
Insights, Analytics, and Communication
- Use data, metrics, and insights to inform decision-making, identify trends, and drive systemic improvements.
- Design and execute clear, effective communication strategies to drive employee understanding, engagement, and utilization of benefits programs.
- Present benefits strategy, outcomes, and recommendations in senior leadership and business forums.
The ideal candidate will be:
Experience and Expertise
- 10+ years of progressive HR or Total Rewards experience, preferably within a professional services or partnership environment.
- Deep technical expertise in U.S. health and welfare and retirement programs, including experience redesigning legacy plans.
- Experience supporting retirement plan mergers and terminations in the context of M&A activity.
- Demonstrated success leading complex programs, vendor negotiations, and enterprise-scale change initiatives.
Leadership and Capabilities
- Proven people leader with a strong track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to operate effectively at both enterprise and operational levels.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels across a matrixed organization.
- Highly analytical and metric-driven, with the ability to translate data into actionable business decisions.
- Exceptional judgment, integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Action-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguity.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.
Education and Other Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
- Ability to travel up to ~10% (or as needed)
The base salary range for this position is between $187,500 and $312,500. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the TeamThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here’s what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [email protected].
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
171 N. Clark Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL, United States, 60601
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