Benefits Manager

Position Summary

The Benefits Manager oversees the strategy, administration, and daily operations of the company's benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leave programs (FMLA/ADA), and related compliance. This role leads a benefits team, manages vendor and broker relationships, ensures accurate EDI data transmission, and drives continuous improvement across processes, systems, and employee experience. The Benefits Manager partners closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, and external partners to deliver a seamless, compliant, and service focused benefits function.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage the design, administration, and delivery of all health, welfare, retirement, and ancillary benefit programs.
• Lead, coach, and develop benefits staff; set performance expectations; ensure accuracy, service excellence, and compliance.
• Direct the administration of FMLA, ADA, and company leave programs; ensure timely notices, documentation, tracking, and coordination with Payroll and managers.
• Oversee enrollment, qualifying life events, dependent eligibility, COBRA, HSA/FSA administration, and annual open enrollment.
• Serve as primary liaison with brokers, carriers, TPAs, and technology vendors; manage renewals, escalations, service issues, and plan performance.
• Oversee EDI file creation, transmission, auditing, and error resolution to ensure accurate eligibility and enrollment data.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, and other federal/state regulations.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain benefits dashboards, cost analyses, utilization reports, and compliance documentation.
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, and IT to ensure accurate deductions, data flow, and alignment across systems.
• Provide guidance on benefits, leave programs, and escalated issues with professionalism, confidentiality, and clarity.
• Lead planning, communication, system configuration, vendor coordination, and issue resolution for annual open enrollment.
• Analyze plan performance, cost trends, and employee feedback to recommend enhancements or cost-saving opportunities.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Deep understanding of benefits regulations, systems, and data flow.
• Ability to coach, develop, and motivate a high-performing benefits team.
• Skilled at interpreting data, identifying trends, and making informed recommendations.
• Ability to translate complex benefits information into clear, employee-friendly guidance.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot issues, resolve data discrepancies, and manage escalations.
• Continuously improves workflows and enhances operational efficiency.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive benefits experience, including FMLA/ADA administration.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience overseeing benefits or HR staff.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required

Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and Section 125 regulations.
• Experience managing brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Hands-on experience with EDI feeds, eligibility files, and data auditing.
• Proficiency with HRIS/benefits platforms (Workday, ADP, Paycom).
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capability.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, and confidentiality.
• Overtime required – required on an as needed basis.
• Travel 0-10% - as required on an as needed basis.
• Must have reliable transportation and live within a commutable distance to one of the following cities: Houston, TX

Qualifications Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• CEBS or CBP certification

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, use hands and arms to operate office equipment including but not limited to a keyboard, mouse and phone, will occasionally need to reach, stoop, stand or walk. The employee must be able to see (close vision), hear, speak, and communicate verbally. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work Schedule

This position requires the ability to work various shifts to accommodate business needs. Typically, between the hours of 8AM-6PM Monday through Friday and on weekends as needed. Travel is required 10% of the time.