Director
of Benefits
Location:
Indianapolis, IN
Company: Steak ’n Shake
Reports to: Vice President of Human Resources
About the
Role
Steak ’n
Shake is seeking a Director of Benefits to lead the strategy,
administration, and execution of our benefits programs across a large,
multi-state employee population. This role reports directly to the Vice
President of Human Resources, serves as a member of the HR Leadership
Team, and manages one internal direct report.
This position
is ideal for a benefits leader who enjoys both strategic ownership and
hands-on execution—someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while
shaping programs that directly impact employees’ lives.
Key
Responsibilities
Benefits
Strategy & Administration
- Own the design, delivery, and
day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs, including
medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, and voluntary
benefits - Evaluate benefit offerings regularly
to ensure competitiveness, cost effectiveness, and alignment with company
goals
Open
Enrollment
- Lead annual open enrollment from end
to end, including planning, vendor coordination, communications, system
setup, and post-enrollment reconciliation - Ensure a smooth, accurate, and
employee-friendly enrollment experience
Compliance
& Governance
- Oversee ACA compliance and
reporting, including vendor coordination and regulatory deadlines - Manage 401(k) retirement plan
governance, including vendor oversight, audits, and fiduciary
compliance - Administer and ensure compliance with FMLA,
ADA, and state-specific leave laws - Maintain compliance across multiple
states and jurisdictions
Vendor
Management
- Serve as primary point of contact for
benefits brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and
retirement plan vendors - Lead renewals, RFPs, contract
negotiations, and ongoing performance management
Operational
Excellence & Leadership
- Provide day-to-day leadership and
development for one internal direct report - Maintain accurate benefits data,
documentation, and reporting - Troubleshoot escalated employee issues
and complex benefit cases - Partner closely with HR leadership,
finance, legal, and operations teams to improve processes, controls, and
systems
Minimum
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources,
Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience) - 7+ years of progressive
experience in employee benefits administration and compliance - Demonstrated ownership of open
enrollment execution in a multi-state environment - Strong working knowledge of ACA
compliance and reporting - Hands-on experience administering 401(k)
retirement plans - Practical experience with FMLA,
ADA, and state-specific leave laws - Proven experience managing external
vendors (brokers, carriers, TPAs) - Ability and willingness to perform
detailed, operational work in addition to strategic leadership
Preferred
Qualifications
- 10+ years of benefits
experience, including leadership responsibility - Experience supporting a large,
distributed, hourly workforce across multiple states - Prior experience in retail,
hospitality, restaurant, or similarly complex operating environments - Professional certifications such as CEBS,
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or SPHR - Experience leading benefits through
periods of growth, change, or transformation - Strong data, audit, and reporting
orientation
Competencies
& Work Style
- Self-starter who works
independently and takes ownership - Highly detail-oriented with
strong follow-through - Thrives in a fast-paced,
ever-changing environment - Comfortable getting “in the weeds”
with day-to-day work—this is not a purely advisory role - Practical, solutions-oriented mindset
with strong judgment
Why Steak
’n Shake
Steak ’n
Shake offers the opportunity to lead benefits in a highly visible, impactful
role within the HR organization. As a member of the HR Leadership Team,
you will help shape programs that directly affect employees across the country
while partnering closely with senior leadership.