Manager, Benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, design, and annual planning for all health & welfare programs.
• Own self-funded medical plan performance, including stop-loss strategy, network evaluation, and high-cost claimant oversight.
• Analyze claims trends, utilization, and cost drivers; develop recommendations for cost containment and population health improvement.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, accruals, and long-range cost modeling.
• Lead annual renewals, RFPs, and negotiations for medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and voluntary benefits.
• Manage broker and carrier relationships, ensuring strong SLA performance and issue resolution.
• Evaluate PBM and stop-loss options to optimize cost and risk protection.
• Oversee day-to-day benefits administration, eligibility, life events, and HRIS/carrier data accuracy.
• Partner with HRIS and Payroll to ensure accurate system configuration, data integrity, and process alignment. Identify areas for process improvement, use of AI, and automation.
• Lead Open Enrollment strategy, communications, testing, and execution.
• Provide oversight of LOA, disability, and workers’ compensation coordination with HR, Safety, and third-party administrators.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and multi-state leave laws.
• Own 5500 filings, plan documents, SPDs, SBCs, and required notices.
• Maintain SOX controls and support internal/external audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates.
• Develop clear, accessible benefits communications tailored to a distributed, shift-based workforce.
• Lead benefits education initiatives to improve understanding and engagement.
• Oversee wellness and population health programs focused on MSK, chronic conditions, and safety-related risks.
• Partner with HR, HRIS, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Safety to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Present recommendations, financial impacts, and program performance to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of progressive benefits experience, including self-funded medical plan management.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and multi-state compliance.
• Experience with vendor negotiations, renewals, and RFPs.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret claims and financial data.
• Experience with HRIS platforms (SuccessFactors or similar).
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentations.
• Experience supporting industrial, distribution, or manufacturing populations.

Preferences

• CEBS or CBP certification.
• Experience in a publicly traded company.
• M&A integration experience.
• Pharmacy/PBM strategy experience.
• Experience with wellness or population health programs.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution
• Analytical decision-making
• Vendor and relationship management
• Project management excellence
• Employee-centric communication
• High integrity and compliance orientation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, distributed environment

EEO/AA Statement

Global Industrial provides equal employment opportunities to all employee and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation and training.