MATTHEW HAWKINS
Indian Land,SC
Summary
Designer of top notch benefits programs. Focus on exceptional employee experiences. Results-driven Benefits Director experienced in structuring programs and administering benefits in fair and equitable fashion. Diplomatic, articulate and decisive with capability to build and develop productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Desiring to offer expertise in field and excellent judgment to a challenging role.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Benefits
Barings LLC
08.2018 - Current
- Built and lead a team of 3, responsible for managing employee's utilization of health benefits and creating significant programming to optimize employee's overall engagement and well-being
- Managed entire US benefit program along with benefits for employees in Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ireland
- Strategically collaborated with internal groups to tie corporate initiatives to benefits programs
- Streamlined benefits administration processes for increased efficiency and cost savings while ensuring plan integrity and an employee centric benefits
- Developed effective communication strategies to educate employees on available benefits options
- Created rewards and recognition program for acknowledging employees' achievements
- Redesigned and expanded global education reimbursement program above industry standard
- Implemented new US based student loan program fully integrated with company tuition assistance program
- Implemented an emergency back-up day care program for employees with trusted vendor to help ensure safety and security when care is needed unexpectedly
- Evaluated and implemented new the leave of absence policy and procedures to streamline internal resources, ensure compliance at state and federal level, and ensure excellent employee experience
- Improved Workday configurations and integrations to streamline workflow and over all experience
- Increased data integrity through implementation of file automation and regular audits to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- Provided expert guidance to senior leadership on strategic benefit plan design decisions, considering industry trends and best practices along with employee needs
- Ensured transfer of service to outsourced workforce in India was efficient and streamlined, ensuring accuracy of on-going work and up-to-date knowledge base
Benefits Manager
Blackbaud Inc
08.2014 - 07.2018
- Facilitated plan design changes to improve a previous 3-year 55% average increase to 12%
- Implemented new employee contribution model that created an additional $1mil in additional contributions
- Improved employee education by leveraging market technology
- Streamlined employee communication and improved response times on inquiries
- Automated delivery of enrollment information to carriers ensuring security and accuracy of data
- Implemented both a health and financial wellness program
- Restructured 401(k) enrollment and education process
- Implemented a commuter program
- Benefits subject matter expert during implementation of new HRIS (Workday)
- Implemented wellness programs to encourage healthy lifestyles among employees and lower insurance premiums.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits programs.
- Managed relationships with external vendors such as brokers, carriers, and outsourced workforce, fostering strong partnerships in support of company objectives.
- Partnered with finance team to create improved budget, forecasting and accountability of expenses
- Strategically partnered with internal groups to tie corporate initiatives to benefits programs.
Benefits Manager
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)
05.2009 - 07.2014
- Built the Benefits function from the ground up for a small start-up
- Led the design, implementation, communication, and administration of all employee benefits
- Identified benefit trends and conducted benefits benchmarking studies
- Recommended selection and managed all benefits-related third party vendor relationships
- Directed employee benefits programs and processes
- Developed internal communication from employees to President/COO
- Managed day-to-day activities such as maintaining employee database and interpreting policies and procedures
- Managed the overall administration of company 401(k) plan
- Designed effective communications campaign to better educate employees on their benefits
- Managed data within HRIS systems
- Increased communication and partnerships with external vendors
- Redesigned benefits and retirement program and communication strategies for Canadian workforce
- Redesigned and implemented leave of absence program
- Enhanced ergonomics and worker compensation program.
Education
Benefits Fundamentals -
Workday Training
Daniel Island, SC07.2015
Management Essentials -
SpaceX Comprehensive Leadership Course
El Segundo, CA03.2011
Unconscious Bias/Inclusion -
UB/I Training
El Segundo, CA09.2010
Small Unit Leadership Training -
Corporals Course
MUSC06.1998
Skills
- Health & Wellness Program Design
- Benefits Administration
- Retirement Plan, 401(k) & Pension, Expertize
- Leave of Absence Administration & Compliance
- Cost Analysis, Forecasting & Budgeting
- Workday Expertise
- Microsoft Suite Expertise
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Contract Review & Negotiations
- Excellent Communication Skills & Attention to Detail
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Analytical Thinking & Strategic Planning
- Decision Making Skills
- Data Analysis
- Leadership & Supervisory Abilities
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
- Team Building & Team Work Mentality
- Conflict Resolution
- Regulatory Compliance
- Open Enrollment Communication, Coordination, and Fulfillment
Timeline
Director of Benefits
Barings LLC
08.2018 - Current
Benefits Manager
Blackbaud Inc
08.2014 - 07.2018
Benefits Manager
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)
05.2009 - 07.2014
Benefits Fundamentals -
Workday Training
Management Essentials -
SpaceX Comprehensive Leadership Course
Unconscious Bias/Inclusion -
UB/I Training
Small Unit Leadership Training -
Corporals Course
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