KIRA SALAZAR
Charlotte
Summary
Results-driven and forward-thinking Human Resources professional with extensive experience in developing and managing comprehensive benefits programs that align with organizational objectives. Utilizes strategic planning and regulatory compliance to ensure effective benefits administration. Track record of fostering collaboration and driving initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, wellbeing and organizational success.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Benefits
Assurant, Inc.
08.2023 - Current
- Achievements:
- Expanded wellbeing program globally to 21 countries
- Negotiated vendor contracts yielding $3M - $5M in annual savings
- Led successful 2025 benefits strategy and minimized financial impact to employees and the company with 3% medical contribution increase compared to the national average of 7%
- Spearhead the development, implementation, and management of employee health & welfare, wellbeing and recognition benefit programs
- Ensure all benefit offerings align with the company's strategic goals, while also meeting the needs and preferences of the employees
- Analyze benefits usage and trends to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations
- Evaluate current programs against benchmarking to ensure competitiveness while maintaining cost-effectiveness
- Track benefits upcharge based on actual and forecasted data, ensuring accurate financial planning and budgeting
- Oversee vendor relationships to ensure highest standards are met
- Promote a supportive and healthy environment that fosters holistic wellbeing to drive strong engagement and high productivity
- Manage benefits communication and marketing initiatives to inform employees about their benefits package
- Confirm that benefits programs adhere to current regulations and legal requirements
- Lead the Request for Proposal (RFPs) and vendor risk management processes, negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms and mitigate potential risks
- Manage M&A due diligence responsibilities on benefits offerings of target companies to identify potential risks and opportunities
Global Benefits Manager
Assurant, Inc.
12.2020 - 07.2023
- Led the implementation of a new wellbeing vendor in the U.S designed to support the Company's collective wellbeing, culture, business strategy and changing employee needs
- Advanced wellbeing strategy with support from Engagement Champion Teams, Wellbeing Champions, and Employee Resource Groups
- Managed mental health awareness month initiatives
- Introduced new tobacco cessation program
- Conducted RFI to select a global recognition vendor
- Implemented The Assurant Way CEO Award which recognizes outstanding contributions of employees
- Administered the Milestone Service Anniversary Award program
- Managed health & welfare programs and projects, benefits communications and maximized vendor partnerships
- Led open enrollment project, reports, rates and fees process
- Completed surveys and benchmarking analysis to recommend and implement changes
- Owned content editing in Sitefinity, back-end digital platform, for the U.S Benefits website (myassurantbenefits.com)
- Handled escalated benefit issues and appeals
- Assisted in RFP process and contract negotiations
- Designed and implemented communication and education programs to maximize employee awareness
Human Resources Manager
Driven Brands, Inc.
03.2020 - 11.2020
- Managed Employee Relations Coordinators and administrative personnel
- Administered health & welfare, retirement, deferred compensation benefits, and HR programs
- Partnered with insurance brokers and carriers on contract renewals
- Established and maintained an effective compliance management process
- Assisted with 5500 Form filings, PCORI fee payment, 401(k) audits, non-discrimination testing, etc
- Managed open enrollment and leave processes
- Advised and trained managers on employee relations best practices
- Collaborated with legal team on negotiations with employee and labor groups
- Managed workers' compensation programs
- Administered Employee Hardship Assistance Fund policy and requests
- Handled benefits tasks related to M&A
Benefits Manager
Assurant, Inc.
01.2017 - 02.2020
- Partnered with stakeholders to deliver high-quality programs
- Analyzed and monitored health, welfare and wellbeing data, report findings and made recommendations that supported the health, wellbeing, and productivity of employees
- Established and maintained an effective compliance management process
- Re-engineered all benefits processes for efficiency
- Managed open enrollment, communications, reports, rates, and fees process
- Key member of implementation team to rollout Workday (HRIS) platform nationwide
- Coordinated annual enterprise-wide health screenings and vendor fairs
- Launched a new benefits website and was responsible for ongoing content administration and Google Analytics reporting
Senior Benefits Analyst
Assurant, Inc.
03.2015 - 12.2016
- Analyzed wellbeing data, report findings and made recommendations that supported the health of employees and the overall objectives of the organization
- Assisted in the wellbeing RFP and contract negotiation process to implement a whole-person wellbeing program
- Supported the overall development, implementation, and administration of all health & welfare benefits
- Ensured required regulations and compliance activity were being performed in a timely manner
Senior Benefits Analyst
Univision Communications Inc.
05.2013 - 03.2015
- Managed the administration of the health & welfare and retirement plans
- Analyzed benefits programs, conducted research, and provided appropriate recommendations to facilitate changes and enhancements
- Implemented and administered the Company's wellness program
- Coordinated Open Enrollment activities, managed all benefit vendors and communications
Benefits Specialist
The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global)
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Contributed in the analysis, development, renewal, and administration of the company's benefit programs
- Reviewed claims experience and utilization trends to help inform health and wellness initiatives
- Worked with consultants and vendors on large-scale benefits communication initiatives
- Managed Open Enrollment
Recruiting Coordinator
The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global)
04.2009 - 08.2011
Administrative Assistant
The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global)
09.2007 - 04.2009
Human Resources Assistant
CSAV Agency, LLC.
10.2006 - 09.2007
Education
Executive Master of Science - Industrial and Labor Relations
Baruch College Zicklin School of Business
New York, NY05.2015
Fundamentals of Health & Welfare Plans, Fundamentals of Retirement Plans
Towers Watson Professional Development Institute
01.2011
PHR -
Human Resource Certification Institute
Alexandria, VA06.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish / Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05.2007
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Business presentation
- Leadership
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Taleo
- Lawson
- Workday
- Microsoft Office
- ADP Workforce Now
- ADPR
- Sitefinity
- Recruiting Roundtable
Websites
Timeline
Director of Benefits
Assurant, Inc.
08.2023 - Current
Global Benefits Manager
Assurant, Inc.
12.2020 - 07.2023
Human Resources Manager
Driven Brands, Inc.
03.2020 - 11.2020
Benefits Manager
Assurant, Inc.
01.2017 - 02.2020
Senior Benefits Analyst
Assurant, Inc.
03.2015 - 12.2016
Senior Benefits Analyst
Univision Communications Inc.
05.2013 - 03.2015
Benefits Specialist
The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global)
08.2011 - 05.2013
Recruiting Coordinator
The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global)
04.2009 - 08.2011
Administrative Assistant
The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global)
09.2007 - 04.2009
Human Resources Assistant
CSAV Agency, LLC.
10.2006 - 09.2007
PHR -
Human Resource Certification Institute
Executive Master of Science - Industrial and Labor Relations
Baruch College Zicklin School of Business
Fundamentals of Health & Welfare Plans, Fundamentals of Retirement Plans
Towers Watson Professional Development Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish / Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies
Rutgers University
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