Sara Julius Email & Phone Number

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

Responsible for leading the Cascade Engineering Family of Companies’ HR services team, which includes administration, compensation, benefits, wellness initiatives, HRIS and the Employee Service Center. Consistent with the managing well philosophy and the total compensation philosophy, provide strategic guidance and direction in regards to policies and programs, and ensure compliance to all federal, state and local regulations and laws. ~ Design and support benefit programs in support of CE FoC objectives ~ Develop, propose and maintain compensation programs, ensuring policies and practices are competitive, consistent and compliant ~ Develop, utilize and promote systems and processes to support the CE FoC HR function ~ Serve as an expert resource to organization on incentive bonus programs ~ Act as a liaison for and provide guidance/advice to HR and others on specific/complex issues related to benefits and compensation ~ Act as a catalyst to integrate and maintain the integrity of HRIS throughout the FoC ~ Lead special projects, task forces, forums and teams as assigned ~ Provide HR representation on the compensation and fiduciary committees ~ Provide leadership of internal HR seminars, competencies, knowledge and skills in the areas of benefits, compensation and HRIS ~ Manage and administer multi-group/multi-state life, health, disability and 401(k) retirement plans for multi-facility organization ~ Oversee work/life, integrated disability services, and wellness programs for CE FoC ~ Benchmark health care, benefits, retirement, compensation and incentive programs ~ Inform top management of trends and developments; provides advice and counsel ~ Encourage innovation and creative thinking to solve problems or to develop new or improved products, processes or services ~ Supervise staff to manage health, welfare and retirement benefits, regulatory compliance, HRIS, compensation, Employee Service Center, work/life balance and wellness programs

~ Founded and managed an employee benefits consulting firm start-up, offering employee medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and worksite insurance in addition to health risk management consultation, growing the business from 0 to 50 client organizations, serving over 5,000 employees, generating almost $4 million in annual revenues. ~ Served as the Treasurer and Secretary of the Board of Managers, establishing the long-term corporate strategic direction.~ Developed short and long-range operating and business plans, setting organizational, team, and individual goals and objectives.~ Hired, trained, and directed 9 employees to provide sales, account management, client services, administrative support, and financial services. ~ Managed daily business operations including purchasing, finance, budget forecasting, accounting, accounts payable/receivable, etc.~ Formulated marketing plans, identified strategies to target and engage small to mid-sized, regional employers with 50 or more employees.~ Designed and produced customizable corporate sales and renewal presentations and materials, including market analyses, benchmarking studies, slide presentations, and marketing kits.~ Created print and electronic materials to support the corporate image, branding, marketing, and promotions including logos, brochures, flyers, mailers, advertisements, social media, etc.~ Utilized relationship-selling techniques to sell insurance products and corporate wellness services to client organizations, averaging $30,000 per client in annual revenues.~ Expanded the product offerings and identified innovative approaches to create more client touch points and reduce the sales cycle from 18 months to less than 6 months.~ Analyzed data, identified trends, assessed health risks, and managed claims liability for clients. ~ Designed and implemented customized, interactive, employee communication programs, delivered in person or digitally

~ Managed client services for all client accounts for a group benefits consulting agency (health & life insurance) with 10 employees.~ Provided direct client services including assembling customized marketing materials, managing the online benefits administration system, 401(k) reporting, etc.

B.S., Computer Information Systems

High Honors Graduate

Certified Corporate Wellness Coach