DESCRIPTION

The Benefits Manager is responsible for managing and administering the company’s health and welfare benefit programs. This position is instrumental in maintaining a comprehensive and competitive program that meets employee needs while ensuring compliance with regulations. The successful candidate is a hands-on, self-starter with strong communication and analytical skills. This is a great opportunity to apply your knowledge and passion for employee benefits and make a meaningful difference across a large, industry-leading organization. Be a part of a great team and see how you can make a difference to our employees across the country!

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of Benefits experience, and 5 years in Benefits management or a related role.
• Experience with HCM Implementation strongly preferred
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions strongly preferred
• Professional certifications, such as CEBS or PHR, are highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong team leadership and management skills
• Strong knowledge of benefits programs, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to work professionally with third party vendors and key stakeholders
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and management skills
• Proficiency in benefits administration software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Employee Support and Education

• Keep an external focus on best practices, regulatory requirements, and the competitive environment, actively shares that knowledge internally within the HR community.
• Provide support and guidance to employees on benefits-related questions and issues.
• Develop benefits orientation and educational sessions to educate employees on the value of the benefit program.
• Develop and distribute educational materials including working with broker to maintain benefits app/website

Benefits Program Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of benefits programs for all US-based employees, including program implementation, communication, enrollment, and administration.
• Lead the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process, ensuring effective communication with employees.
• Partner and collaborate with HRIS, Payroll, and external vendors to resolve enrollment, eligibility, enrollment issues.
• Assist with the preparation of benefit plan materials including plan guides, participant correspondence, targeted communications and/or employee or HR presentations/ trainings.
• Analyze and monitor benefit plan costs, utilization data, and employee feedback to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage the implementation of strategic benefit initiatives.
• Support routine mergers and acquisition (M&A) work as the company grows it operations
• Support the day-to-day administration of Leave of Absence (LOA) programs for multi-state employees including administration of Short-Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Paid Family Leave (PFL), Parental Leave, Military Leave, and Paid Time Off (PTO) while ensuring compliance with all state/provincial and federal laws.

Partnership with HR and Field Leaders

• Counsels and trains HRBPs and Field Leaders on the different benefits programs, including plan features, eligibility and premium information
• Provide expert guidance and consultation on a wide range of benefit areas, including time-off policies, leave of absence programs, healthcare benefits, wellness initiatives, return-to-work programs, and more.
• Serve as a key resource to both employees and leadership on all benefits-related matters.
• Determines the appropriate communication strategy for educating employees on the benefits programs (e.g., Open Enrollment, Leave Management, supplemental plans, etc.)

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Prepare and file required reports and documentation with government agencies.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure the accuracy and integrity of benefits data.

Vendor Management

• Resolve operational issues with carriers, investigate discrepancies, and provide information in non-routine situations.
• Manage relationships with benefits providers and vendors,
• Monitor vendor performance and address any issues or concerns.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure seamless delivery of benefits services to employees.

Employee Support and Education

• Keep an external focus on best practices, regulatory requirements, and the competitive environment, actively shares that knowledge internally within the HR community.
• Provide support and guidance to employees on benefits-related questions and issues.
• Develop benefits orientation and educational sessions to educate employees on the value of the benefit program.
• Develop and distribute educational materials including working with broker to maintain benefits app/website.