Darius Clay

• Oversaw the Total Rewards portfolio including all components of compensation (base salary, incentives, equity) and sales commissions (all sales channels, retirement, wellness) to ensure program designs are market competitive and fiscally sound
• Partnered with the CPO, HR and external executive compensation consultant on design, recommendations, analysis and implementation of executive compensation program
• Assisted with the preparation of materials for the Compensation Committee meetings
• Worked in partnership with sales management on design, implementation and benchmarking of sales compensation programs
• Improved and revamped insider trading application process
• Decreased unnecessary incentive spend by 25%
• Directed the management benefits plans including reporting and analysis, design, cost management, administration, customer service, communication and vendor management
• Executed compensation management processes and implements fiscally sound base pay salary structures, variable pay plans and other employee recognition opportunities
• Directed the preparation and distribution of Total Rewards communications
• Consulted with and provide direction, guidance and resolution to HR team and leadership on compensation issues
• Ensured appropriate technology is maximized to administer all compensation programs
• Partnered with Corporate Finance on the design and administration of compensation and benefits Plans.

• Conducted research and analysis to evaluate the competitive nature of the Total Rewards program and translate findings into a comprehensive rewards strategy
• Collaborated and partner with the Executive team to address gaps in compensation and equity for all staff
• Analyzed and evaluate effectiveness of existing and new compensation programs to meet organizational objectives; identify best practices and make recommendations for modifications
• Effectively planed and directed the implementation and administration of all benefit and wellness plans including annual open enrollment efforts
• Reduced benefit contract spend through negotiations by $200k
• Developed and coordinate communications strategies and activities designed to educate and inform employees about total rewards
• Collaborated with Sales and Operations Executives on compensation strategies and commission plans that drive the business towards meeting its goals
• Lead team through regular bench-marking compensation cycles to analyze and strategically assess the effectiveness of current and new programs in achieving organizational objectives; identified best practices and benchmarks developing recommendations for modifications to create and align market competitive Total Rewards programs to employee engagement strategies and business goals
• Lead advice initiatives under Foundation “Give Back” and DEI programs
• Created and launched a retirement sunset program to assist with long term employee transitions to retirement..
• Oversight of global benefits and payroll experience - India
• Served as the trusted champion for employee retention, specifically ensuring compelling total rewards' solutions for key employees.

Developed first Total Rewards strategy in the City of Memphis by implementing a structured framework with supporting policies and plans to attract and retain top talent

• Increased employee retention by more than 15% with the acceleration of performance-based models and a redesign of recognition programs
• Instituted strategies to improve labor negotiations, pension disputes, and employee challenges in partnership with the City of Memphis legal team
• Devised data analytics and dashboard metrics to maximize compensation methodologies which yielded a 70% improvement in operational efficiencies
• Launched city-wide wellness programs to promote best practices in health and fitness while achieving expense savings of over $500K
• Transformed the annual benefits budget and plan review as well as request for proposal (RFP) processes by leveraging industry bench-marking and analytics.

• Converted existing plans to a new benefits platform to improve the employee experience and provide expanded self-service options
• Streamlined benefit claims procedures by implementing lean six sigma processes and leveraging HR automation tools
• Sustained compliance with all regulations, including ERISA, HIPPA, FLMA, and IRS, during the deployment of benefit policies and programs
• Performed Non-Discrimination Testing for 401(k) and FSA plans as well as managed federal filings, including Form 5500 and OFCCP requirements
• Orchestrated solutions to anticipate upstream and downstream effects of benefit plan changes to minimize unintended consequences.

• Managed the first customer service call center unit in the State of Tennessee to address benefit inquiries, resolve issues, and streamline communication
• Maintained 100% compliance with state policies for public insurance and benefits with the implementation of long-term strategies
• Directed the new hire learning and development program to ensure compliance with mandated assessment requirements, and to amplify their knowledge base
• Fostered effective regulatory engagement by monitoring fundamental governance changes that could impact operations.