Benefits Manager

Position Summary

The Benefits Manager will manage the employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and cost-effectiveness. Administers health, retirement, and wellness plans, coordinates open enrollments, and resolves employee inquiries. Collaborates with HR and vendors to enhance benefits offerings and support organizational goals. This role will ensure that programs are aligned with the Company's business strategy and competitiveness in the industry.

Essential Responsibilities of the Benefits Manager

• Administer employee benefits programs such as defined contribution plans, medical, prescription, vision, dental, voluntary plans, life and AD&D insurance, disability, wellness programs, and vendor management.
• Manage data analysis and reporting by utilizing data analytics to monitor the effectiveness of benefit programs, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve offerings and control costs.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for benefits programs and regularly measure and report their performance to management.
• Partner with plan vendors, HR, Communications, IT, Payroll, Finance, Accounting, and other internal departments.
• Maintain and apply a broad understanding of financial management principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
• Regularly evaluate and identify cost-effective opportunities for cost-savings.
• Benchmark benefit programs to retain a competitive position in the labor market. Analyze survey results and develop specific recommendations for review by management and Senior Executives.
• Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation such as original and amended plan text, benefits agreements, and insurance policies. Instructs TPA, insurance carriers, and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefit programs. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
• Assure company compliance with the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies. Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and report necessary changes to management.
• Lead and direct the work of the Benefits team, including Leave Administration.
• Manage the preparation of all benefit education and communication initiatives, webinars, to ensure prompt, accurate, and thoughtful delivery of benefit communications for a diverse employee population including New Hire, Open Enrollment, Wellness, and other educational pieces.
• Handle escalated benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure timely, equitable, and courteous resolution.
• Lead open enrollment activities by communicating changes, educating employees, and distributing materials for open enrollment.
• Oversee audits. Reconcile benefits accounts by approving and tracking billing statements.
• Review and manage benefit plans documentation, including 5500’s, summary plan descriptions, and all other plan documentation requirements to ensure compliance and that correct information is maintained.
• Deliver a high level of customer service, ensuring that employee inquiries and concerns are handled efficiently and with professionalism.
• Work collaboratively with all levels of employees and management, fostering positive working relationships and clear communication across departments.
• Demonstrate strong team collaboration skills, actively contributing to team goals and supporting colleagues when needed.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, or related discipline
• Minimum of 5 – 7 years of related work experience in benefits administration management, preferably for a large company
• 3+ years of management experience
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred
• Knowledgeable, staying current with principles, practices, and procedures in benefits administration, including 401(k) plans and laws related to: ERISA, PPACA, HIPAA, etc.
• Experience with various HRIS and benefits administration systems
• Proficient in Excel
• Proficient in financial acumen, data analysis, reporting, and performance metrics
• Advanced verbal and written communication
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse employee groups.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Thorough understanding of human resource principles, practices, and procedures
• Excellent time management skills: Ability to self-direct work, effectively multi-task, manage multiple and competing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to exercise discretion when handling highly sensitive and confidential information

Physical Requirements:

• Work requires correctable vision, depth perception, eye-hand coordination, and manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer terminals, telephones, and office equipment for long periods of time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Ability to hear and speak the English language clearly and concisely for heavy telephone contact.
• Involves frequent contact with staff, clients, and the public.
• Work involves frequent changes in activities and priorities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

By signing below, you certify that you have read and understand the requirements and qualifications of this position and certify that you meet the requirements described in this job description. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship. Employment is contingent upon adherence to the handbook, policies and procedures set forth by the Company, which may be modified at any time at the Company’s sole discretion.