Benefits Manager (Req #: 662)

About the role

This position is responsible for the strategic oversight, design, implementation, and administration of the company health and welfare and retirement benefits programs. The role ensures programs are compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals while managing vendor relationships, leading renewal processes, and overseeing benefits operations across multiple entities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits.
• Oversee retirement programs including 401(k) plans and maintain familiarity with defined benefit structures.
• Evaluate plan design, cost trends, and utilization to recommend improvements to leadership.
• Ensure benefits programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.
• Present benefits strategy, cost analysis, and recommendations to leadership and finance.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA requirements, including plan document governance and audit readiness.
• Oversee ACA compliance and reporting, including 1094/1095 filings.
• Direct Form 5500 preparation and filing processes.
• Ensure compliance with COBRA regulations and administration.
• Own and manage relationships with carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Oversee annual renewal processes including data analysis, rate negotiations, and plan recommendations.
• Evaluate vendor performance and hold partners accountable for service delivery.
• Conduct cost/benefit analysis of plan options and present findings to leadership.
• Oversee benefits billing and reconciliation processes across multiple carriers.
• Provide oversight and direction to benefits administration staff. Ensure accuracy and efficiency of benefits operations including enrollments, eligibility, and data integrity.
• Oversee open enrollment strategy, execution, and communication.
• Oversee use and optimization of HRIS and benefits administration platforms such as an ERP, carrier portals, TPA systems, and enrollment platforms.
• Partner with finance and HR leadership on budgeting and forecasting related to benefits.
• Communicate complex benefits information to employees in clear and understandable terms.
• Present benefits-related data and recommendations to subsidiary leadership.
• Lead and develop direct reports, providing coaching, accountability, and performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CEBS certification preferred.
• PHR or SPHR acceptable as an alternative; deep ERISA and ACA operational experience may substitute for either.
• 5-7 years of progressive benefits administration experience.
• 2-3 years of experience in a program ownership or lead role, not solely processing.
• Experience managing full-cycle benefits programs including annual renewal cycles.
• Multi-entity or multi-subsidiary experience preferred.
• Broker relationship management experience, including directing the relationship and not only working alongside the broker.
• Master degree preferred but not required.