Benefits Manager @ Kelso Industries

Position Summary

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration, execution, and continuous improvement of Kelso's health and welfare programs. Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, this role serves as the organization's primary point of contact for benefits-related matters. This is a hands-on, player-coach style role requiring both technical knowledge and operational ownership. The right candidate will be comfortable resolving complex issues directly, administering plans within HR systems, and supporting strategic initiatives in a high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, voluntary benefits, and retirement plans.
• Manage eligibility, enrollments, life events, and payroll integration.
• Lead operational execution of open enrollment across operating companies.
• Administer all employee leave programs ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Develop benefits communications and counsels employees on benefits-related issues.
• Evaluate existing benefits programs against peer organizations to determine competitiveness, trends, and developments.
• Administer benefits within HRIS platforms, ensuring data integrity and carrier file accuracy.
• Partner with HRIS and Payroll to manage audits, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Support system configuration, testing, and process documentation.
• Coordinate with brokers, carriers, and TPAs to resolve issues and maintain service levels.
• Monitor claims data and support renewal preparation.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain required documentation, notices, and filings.
• Assist with benefits due diligence and integration for newly acquired entities.
• Support harmonization efforts across operating companies.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of benefits administration or Total Rewards experience.
• Strong working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and multi-state compliance.
• Experience working with brokers and carriers.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering benefits within Employee Navigator, Workday, BSwift, and/or PlanSource preferred.

Core Competencies

• High ownership and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with compliance discipline
• Clear and professional communication

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

• Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
• Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
• Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.