Benefits Manager - Hybrid

At IPG, we are a global leader in packaging and protective solutions, developing innovative products that protect the world. From tapes and films to advanced packaging machinery, we value safety, integrity, teamwork, and performance. We are expanding our team and seeking a Benefits Manager to join our Human Resources department in Sarasota, FL.

About the Role

The Benefits Manager oversees the daily administration of all benefit programs across the United States, Union environments, and Canada. This role ensures consistent, accurate execution of benefit processes, supervises the benefits team, manages escalated employee inquiries, and maintains effective working relationships with benefit vendors and internal partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage the work of the benefits team, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks.
• Provide training and coaching on problem-solving, customer service, and procedural questions.
• Support and oversee the execution of benefit communications and engagement activities, including employee messaging, enrollment materials, and educational resources.
• Partner with leadership and vendors to ensure communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with program goals to promote employee awareness and participation.
• Oversee daily operations of all benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, disability, life, retirement, and ancillary plans.
• Ensure benefit eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, and payroll deductions are processed accurately.
• Review and resolve escalated issues related to union benefit administration, ensuring alignment with CBA requirements.
• Support Canadian benefits operations by monitoring accuracy, troubleshooting discrepancies, and partnering with the Canadian HR team.
• Lead the annual 401(k) match calculation for the US.
• Serve as the second-level escalation point for employee benefit inquiries.
• Provide clear, accurate explanations of benefit policies and plan provisions.
• Ensure sensitive issues (claims, leaves, dependent verification, union challenges) are handled with professionalism and consistency.
• Elevate highly complex, high-risk, or strategic issues to VP Total Rewards.
• Oversee day-to-day interactions with carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Monitor vendor service delivery and escalate performance concerns as needed.
• Support annual renewal processes by making recommendations, gathering data, validating documentation, and coordinating vendor tasks.
• Participate in vendor meetings; provide operational insights and issue tracking.
• Review and validate Dayforce configuration and testing completed by the benefits team and HRIS/Payroll.
• Ensure accuracy of benefit enrollment rules, eligibility groups, and deduction logic.
• Oversee resolution of Dayforce data discrepancies and partner with HRIS/Payroll on corrections.
• Maintain a working knowledge of system functionality and partner with the VP Total Rewards on developing the benefits roadmap.
• Ensure benefits are administered in compliance with plan documents, CBAs, and regulatory requirements (ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, provincial laws).
• Support internal and external audits by providing data, documentation, and explanations.
• Create and/or maintain up-to-date standard operating procedures for all benefit processes.
• Monitor routine legislative updates and escalate required plan changes to VP Total Rewards.
• Oversee team completion of billing reconciliation for all benefit plans.
• Review funding files for accuracy and ensure timely submission.
• Escalate complex financial issues, overpayments, or discrepancies to leadership.
• Coordinate and lead operational tasks for annual enrollment, including timelines, testing support, vendor materials review, and employee communications.
• Ensure the team executes enrollment changes and resolves employee questions promptly.
• Support benefit-related projects, such as vendor transitions, system updates, and M&A integration tasks.
• Recommend improvements to increase consistency, accuracy, and efficiency of benefits operations.
• Ensure processes are documented and the team adopts any new procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5–7+ years of experience in benefits administration (US or Canada; union experience a plus).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Solid working knowledge of benefits regulations and plan administration processes.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems; Dayforce experience preferred but not required to be deep/technical.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and escalate appropriately.
• Comfortable working with vendors and cross-functional partners.

Benefits

At IPG, you will find a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. We offer:

• Competitive pay and extensive benefits that support you and your family.
• Exciting career development opportunities, including ongoing training.
• A commitment to sustainability, influencing eco-friendly products and safe, supportive workplaces.
• A stable, secure environment with over 40 years of industry expertise and innovation.