Senior Director, Benefits

Novavax, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

USA Remote Maryland

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• **Lead the strategic vision and execution of Novavax's global benefits programs** as the Senior Director, Benefits. This pivotal role is responsible for the comprehensive design, meticulous governance, and unwavering operational excellence of all organizational benefit programs, ensuring they are not only competitive and innovative but also cost-effective, fully compliant with all regulations, and deeply aligned with Novavax's overarching total rewards philosophy. You will be instrumental in shaping a benefits landscape that attracts, retains, and supports our most valuable asset – our people.
• **Drive the selection, implementation, and ongoing management of critical benefits technologies and vendor relationships.** This includes rigorously evaluating potential partners, negotiating favorable terms of service, and ensuring seamless integration with existing HR systems. A key focus will be on maintaining the highest standards of data integrity within these systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability for reporting and decision-making.
• **Serve as the primary subject matter expert for a broad spectrum of benefits offerings.** This encompasses health and welfare programs (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)), retirement plans (401(k)), comprehensive leave policies, and innovative well-being initiatives. While the primary focus is on U.S. benefits, you will also extend your expertise to manage select international benefit programs and vendors, providing a global perspective.
• **Champion compliance and risk management across all benefit programs.** You will ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including critical reporting requirements such as Form 5500 filings, plan audits, and participant notice obligations under ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ADA. Proactive identification and mitigation of compliance risks will be paramount.
• **Spearhead strategic plan design and cost-sharing initiatives.** Collaborating closely with expert brokers and vendors, you will develop and refine benefit plan designs and cost-sharing strategies to ensure offerings are both cost-effective and highly competitive in the market, while maintaining compliance.
• **Partner with senior leadership and finance teams to develop robust financial forecasts and long-term strategic plans for benefits costs.** This involves meticulous budgeting, trend analysis, and proactive financial stewardship to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our benefits investments.
• **Oversee the integrity of benefits data and collaborate with HR Technology on system enhancements.** You will work hand-in-hand with the HR Technology team to identify opportunities for system improvements, ensuring that our benefits platforms are efficient, user-friendly, and capable of supporting our evolving needs.
• **Lead comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.** This includes managing the evaluation of new vendors and benefit programs, ensuring a rigorous and objective selection process that aligns with Novavax's strategic objectives and values.
• **Foster seamless benefits delivery through strong cross-functional collaboration.** You will build and maintain effective working relationships with Payroll, HR Technology, Finance, and HR Business Partners to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all employees regarding their benefits.
• **Develop, review, and update all benefits-related policies.** This includes ensuring all policies are clearly articulated, legally sound, and integrated into the employee handbook, providing employees with transparent and accessible information.
• **Create and implement clear, accessible, and engaging benefits communication materials and education strategies.** Your efforts will empower employees to make informed decisions about their benefits and fully understand the value of the programs offered.
• **Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing benefits team.** You will foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and excellence within your team, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
• **Stay ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes.** You will continuously evaluate industry benchmarks, emerging trends, and evolving regulations to proactively recommend enhancements or redesigns of benefit plans and policies, ensuring Novavax remains at the forefront of employee benefits.
• **Manage the annual enrollment process from end-to-end.** This includes meticulous planning, comprehensive communication campaigns, and precise system configuration to ensure a smooth and successful enrollment period for all employees.
• **Contribute to the broader Total Rewards strategy**, leveraging your deep expertise in benefits to inform and enhance Novavax's overall compensation and rewards framework.
• **Support the development and administration of international benefits programs**, working with local experts and vendors to ensure compliance and competitiveness in diverse global markets.
• **Champion employee well-being initiatives**, integrating them into the broader benefits strategy to support a healthy and productive workforce.
• **Analyze benefits utilization and cost data** to identify trends, opportunities for cost savings, and areas for program improvement.
• **Develop and maintain strong relationships with key benefits vendors and brokers**, ensuring service level agreements are met and performance is continuously evaluated.
• **Act as a key point of contact for escalated benefits-related inquiries** from employees and HR partners, providing expert guidance and resolution.
• **Contribute to the development and execution of the HR strategy** by ensuring benefits programs are a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.
• **Ensure the effective and efficient administration of all leave programs**, including FMLA, ADA, and other statutory and company-specific leave policies.
• **Drive innovation in benefits offerings**, exploring new and emerging benefit solutions that can enhance employee experience and support Novavax's mission.
• **Prepare and present reports on benefits program performance, costs, and trends** to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• **Oversee the development and execution of benefits-related change management initiatives**, ensuring smooth transitions and effective communication.
• **Champion a culture of accountability and continuous improvement** within the benefits function.

🎯 Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, professional certifications, and extensive relevant experience.
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in benefits management, with a minimum of five years in a progressive leadership capacity, demonstrating a track record of success in designing, implementing, and managing complex benefit programs.
• Proven expertise in the administration of diverse benefits programs, including strategic plan design, vendor negotiations, and compliance management (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA).
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while maintaining meticulous attention to detail, possessing strong analytical skills and a robust operational focus to ensure effective program execution.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• A hands-on, proactive leadership style with the capacity to prioritize competing responsibilities, clearly communicate expectations, and consistently meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience with Workday is strongly preferred, demonstrating familiarity with leading HRIS platforms.
• Prior experience in compensation or a broader total rewards role is beneficial, providing a holistic understanding of employee value propositions.

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive base salary within the range of $208,450.00 - $281,450.00, commensurate with experience and location.
• Annual bonus potential, reflecting company and individual performance.
• Equity grants, offering ownership and participation in Novavax's success.
• Professional career development growth opportunities, supporting continuous learning and advancement.
• Comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Robust insurance offerings including Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life Insurance, and Optional Life Insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, with company contributions to support your future financial security.

Skills & Technologies

Express

Senior

Remote

Degree Required

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Novavax, Inc.

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About Novavax, Inc.

Novavax is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases. They utilize a proprietary recombinant nanoparticle vaccine technology platform. This platform enables the rapid design, development, and manufacturing of vaccines that mimic the structure of viruses, eliciting a strong immune response. Their pipeline includes vaccines for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other critical global health threats. Novavax aims to address unmet medical needs by providing innovative and effective vaccine solutions to prevent illness and protect public health worldwide. They are committed to scientific excellence and advancing vaccine technology.

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