Manager, Benefits

About the role

This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring our benefits programs are effective and reflect our dedication to employees' well-being and professional growth. The Benefits Manager will lead the development and administration of highly valued, cost-effective benefits programs designed to attract, engage, and retain a diverse workforce. You will oversee the entire lifecycle of benefits programs—from research and proposal to implementation, compliance, and evaluation of employee utilization.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of benefits professionals, support their development, and partner with People Organization stakeholders to implement and support employee benefit programs.
• Provide strategic expertise on benefit strategy, market trends, legislation, and plan design.
• Design, evaluate, and recommend new or enhanced benefit programs using data-driven insights, market benchmarking, cost analysis, and employee impact.
• Lead vendor selection (including RFPs), contract negotiations, and required agreements/security reviews.
• Oversee health and welfare, well-being, and related benefit programs to align with employee needs and business priorities; monitor vendor performance.
• Direct implementation and administration of benefit programs, including employee communications, education, and legal/regulatory compliance (e.g., filings, plan documents, notices).
• Partner with Total Rewards leadership to set priorities and align resources with business needs.
• Identify and escalate issues affecting the company, legal compliance, vendor contracts, budget, or employees; consult with internal/external experts as needed.
• Oversee benefits systems and data integrations, including open enrollment, to ensure accuracy, security, and efficiency.
• Develop and manage the annual benefits budget; partner with Finance to forecast costs, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions.

Requirements

• Minimum 8+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 1+ years of supervisory/management experience. Additional experience may substitute for education.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in health and welfare benefits management.
• Experience overseeing benefit enrollment/administration software systems for employee self-service.
• Experience working for a benefits broker or managing service levels vs. SLAs (preferred).

Skills

• Ability to manage, mentor, and develop a diverse team of benefits professionals, including remote and in-office staff.
• In-depth knowledge of health & welfare, well-being, and retirement medical programs to compete for top talent.
• Strong understanding of legal/regulatory compliance (ERISA, IRS, ACA, non-discrimination testing, filings, etc.).
• Solid grasp of leave administration, workers' compensation, and associated compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to initiate/execute projects with attention to detail, deadlines, and cross-team collaboration.
• Experience developing benefit communications/education materials for executives, employees, and candidates.
• Strong problem-solving, presentation, persuasion, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Teams/OneNote (preferred).
• Licenses: Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)-IFEBP (preferred upon hire).

Benefits

• Competitive base and incentive pay.
• 401(k) with robust matching and non-matching contributions.
• Rich medical and pharmacy benefits; 100% employer-paid dental and vision benefits.
• Holistic well-being program with financial incentives.
• Generous paid time off (12 paid holidays + birthday off).
• Career development, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.
• Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child/elder/pet care assistance.
• Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities.
• Employee discount program.

Pay

Base pay range: $92,500 – $200,400 (varies based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity).

About Us

Delta Dental is dedicated to safeguarding the health and financial stability of employees and their families. We foster personal growth and holistic well-being through a culture of trust, service, excellence, and innovation. With over 68 years of service, we provide dental benefits to 31+ million people across 15 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Our network includes affiliates serving all 50 states and U.S. territories, offering vision coverage through DeltaVision in 15 states and D.C.