Manager, Benefits

About the role

The Benefits Manager participates in the strategy, evaluation, selection, and implementation of benefits and wellness programs. This position conducts analyses, RFPs, and vendor selection and prepares recommendations for senior leadership. It also provides supervision and direction to benefits team members in support of benefits programs, administration, and execution of benefits initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the strategy, evaluation, selection, and implementation of benefits and wellness programs (50%):
  • Conducts analysis of current benefits and wellness programs in partnership with third-party partners to assess competitiveness, opportunities for value enhancement, and cost management.
  • Provides extensive support in the annual benefits renewal cycle, analyzes data, and makes recommendations for program changes and enhancements to maintain a competitive market position.
  • Develops recommendations for wellness strategy and programming aimed at improving workforce health, targeting chronic conditions, and rewarding healthy lifestyles.
  • Researches and recommends outsourcing and third-party administration of programs to streamline or improve service or reduce administrative burden.
  • Analyzes data on program participation, benchmark and trend data to inform recommendations.
  • Functions as a subject matter expert (SME) for benefits and wellness initiatives.
  • Works with internal communications and third-party partners to plan and develop employee materials and education for benefits and wellness programs, as well as open enrollment cycles.
  • Ensures program compliance with regulatory requirements and makes recommendations for improvements and/or risk mitigation.
  • Supports the executive team as needed.
• Supervises and directs the activities of the benefits team in concert with vendors and consultant partners to ensure a high level of customer service and resolve issues (30%):
  • Ensures that internal and HRIS teams have the information needed for open enrollment, qualified life events, wellness program participation, benefit deductions, and reporting.
  • Streamlines and documents internal processes; works with IT/HRIS to implement and maintain data connections with vendors and third parties.
  • Leads the development of cohesive, clear communications for benefits and wellness programs.
  • Maintains and provides medical expense and stop-loss reporting to internal customers.
  • Oversees and directs system testing and data audits to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Develops, completes, and provides reports, accrual data, and program analyses as required.
  • Ensures program compliance with regulatory requirements and makes recommendations for improvement and/or risk mitigation.
• Develops team members for increased responsibilities and future roles within the organization (10%):
  • Provides coaching and mentoring on a regular basis.
• Supports the HR team as the first line of contact and SME for benefits programs (10%):
  • Works with the HR team on cross-functional initiatives and performs general administrative tasks and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 7-10 years of employee benefits experience required.
• Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experienced with developing and implementing multi-level, integrated communications approaches.
• Effective leader able to direct work and manage priorities and performance.
• Good grasp of technology and how to effectively harness it to generate employee engagement.
• Consultative and decisive skills preferred.
• Innovative yet practical with information flow and communication preferred.
• Able to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently is preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 100% company-paid life and disability coverage.
• 401k options with company match.
• Three weeks PTO by the end of the first year.
• Career growth opportunities, including promotion from within.