Benefits Lead

* This role can be based anywhere in the US Allow us to introduce ourselves

dss+ is a leading operations management consulting firm offering a range of advisory and implementation transformational services in Operational Risk, Operational Excellence, and Sustainability, enabled by Learning & Development and Digital Technologies.

dss+ has employees across the globe offering services primarily in the Metals & Mining, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, and Financial Services industries.

With our DuPont industrial operations heritage and expertise in operational risk management, operations excellence, learning & development, data analytics & digital technology, our capabilities provide an integrated, transformational solution to enable clients to realize their business goals.

At dss+ we embrace and celebrate diversity. We have established an inclusive culture, where everyone contributes, has the chance to develop and display their talents in solving challenging client problems. We are a team-based culture and, thus, we look for people that operate well in this environment, are intellectually curious and adaptive in ensuring their contribution fits within the evolving themes and dynamics of our projects.

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Lead to own and evolve our benefits programs across the United States and Canada. This role is responsible for the full lifecycle management of benefits, blending operational excellence with strategic insight to deliver a best-in-class employee experience.

The Benefits Lead will serve as the primary subject matter expert and point of contact for all employee benefits matters, manage vendor partnerships, oversee benefits systems and analytics, and provide thoughtful, data-driven recommendations to leadership. This role will also play a key part in M&A-related benefits analysis and integration, supporting growth initiatives across North America. In addition, the role will be cross-trained in payroll and serve as a backup to the Payroll Lead for the same employee population.

This role will report directly to the People & Culture Leader of North America.

• Own end-to-end administration of all employee benefit programs for the US and Canada, including health and welfare, retirement, leaves, wellness, and related offerings
• Lead annual renewal processes, plan design evaluations, and cost-management strategies
• Develop and present strategic recommendations based on market trends, employee feedback, and data insights
• Ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals

• Support mergers, acquisitions, and other growth initiatives through benefits due diligence, cost modeling, and risk assessment
• Evaluate acquired companies’ benefits programs and develop integration strategies aligned with organizational philosophy and compliance requirements
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external advisors to execute smooth benefits transitions during post-merger integration
• Support employee communications and change management related to benefits during M&A activity

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee questions, concerns, and escalations related to benefits
• Deliver a high-touch, employee-centric experience with clear communication and timely resolution
• Partner closely with People & Culture colleagues to support employee lifecycle moments (onboarding, leaves, life events, offboarding)

• Own benefits-related systems, integrations, and data accuracy
• Produce and analyze benefits metrics, reports, and insights to inform decision-making
• Ensure compliance with all applicable US and Canadian regulations and manage audits, filings, and documentation

• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, administrators, and external partners
• Oversee vendor performance, contracts, renewals, and service delivery
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and external advisors as needed

• Cross-train on payroll processes for the US and Canada
• Serve as backup support to the Payroll Lead, ensuring continuity and accuracy during absences or peak periods
• Collaborate closely with payroll to align benefits and payroll data

• 7+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and strategy, preferably in a multi-country or professional services environment
• Demonstrated experience supporting M&A activity, including benefits due diligence, analysis, and post-acquisition integration
• Strong working knowledge of US benefits programs and regulatory requirements. A strong candidate will have similar knowledge of Canadian benefits
• Experience managing benefits systems, vendors, and analytics
• Payroll experience or exposure strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills with a high level of discretion, problem-solving and attention to…