Benefits Manager

About the role

Benefits Manager – Full‑Time, Exempt position reporting to the Director of Human Resources, located at Headquarters in Avondale, LA. T. Parker Host is a century‑old maritime company providing ship agency and terminal operations along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, leveraging data‑driven analytics, industry knowledge, and a network of team members to deliver exceptional service.

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day administration of employee benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA/FSA, EAP, voluntary benefits, and other company‑sponsored programs).
• Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefit questions (eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, coverage issues, benefit‑related concerns).
• Manage benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, eligibility updates, payroll deductions, invoice reconciliation, and related benefit records, ensuring accuracy across HRIS and vendor systems.
• Manage employee leaves of absence from request through return to work, including FMLA, military, personal, parental, disability‑related, and other applicable federal, state, and company leave programs.
• Determine leave eligibility, provide required notices, track documentation and deadlines, communicate with employees and managers, and coordinate leave with disability, workers' compensation, PTO, and other applicable benefits.
• Partner with the Director of Human Resources on complex leave situations, accommodations, compliance matters, and other issues requiring additional review.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day administration of the company's 401(k) plan, including employee inquiries, eligibility, loans, distributions, contributions, audits, testing, and required reporting.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process and support benefit renewals in partnership with the Director of Human Resources, Finance, brokers, carriers, and vendors.
• Coordinate benefit communications, enrollment materials, employee education, and approved plan changes across benefit systems and payroll.
• Serve as primary day‑to‑day contact for benefit brokers, carriers, third‑party administrators, and other vendors, ensuring issues are researched, followed through, and resolved timely.
• Administer benefit and leave programs in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements, plan documents, and company policies, including required notices, audits, filings, and reporting.
• Conduct routine audits of benefit enrollment, eligibility, deductions, leave records, invoices, and HRIS data and coordinate corrections when discrepancies are identified.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve benefit and leave processes, documentation, accuracy, efficiency, and the employee experience.
• Partner with HR, payroll, HRIS, and other internal teams to resolve issues, maintain accurate records, and provide benefit and leave reporting as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3‑5 years of experience in benefits administration, leave administration, or a related HR function.
• Experience administering employee benefits and leave programs for a multi‑state workforce required.
• Hands‑on experience administering FMLA and other federal and state leave programs required.
• Experience administering health and welfare benefits, 401(k) plans, and annual open enrollment.
• Working knowledge of applicable benefits and leave requirements, including FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA.
• Experience working with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and third‑party administrators.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, problem‑solving, and follow‑through.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and take ownership of issues through resolution.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems; ADP Workforce Now experience preferred.
• HR or benefits professional certification preferred.
• Physical requirements: ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing computer‑based work; frequently operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment; communicate effectively in person, by telephone, virtually, and in writing; review and interpret information presented electronically and in printed documents; occasionally move throughout the office and between