Senior Manager, Benefits

About the role

The organization operates within the publishing industry as part of a large family-owned media group headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. It addresses the challenge of delivering diverse, award-winning books across various categories and formats to a broad audience. The U.S. segment includes several well-known publishing imprints, while international operations extend to multiple countries under different brand names.

The SENIOR MANAGER, BENEFITS is responsible for leading the benefits strategy, managing vendor relationships, ensuring compliance, and overseeing the team administering benefits programs. This role focuses on strategic leadership and coaching to maintain accurate benefit execution, directly impacting talent attraction, retention, and organizational total rewards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine benefits strategies aligned with talent and rewards objectives.
• Conduct market benchmarking and analysis to guide plan and policy decisions.
• Collaborate with brokers and communications teams on benefits branding.
• Manage and build partnerships with benefits vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee vendor performance and contract negotiations.
• Coordinate governance for retirement plan oversight.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Translate benefits data into insights for senior leadership.
• Manage and mentor benefits administration staff.
• Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues.
• Maintain documentation and process guides for benefits administration.
• Support automation initiatives and recommend system enhancements.
• Lead project management for benefits events and communications.
• Ensure responsive and knowledgeable customer service from the benefits team.

Requirements

• 8+ years in benefits management including strategy and administration.
• Experience with mid to large size employers.
• Proven skills in benefits strategy development and market benchmarking.
• Knowledge of benefits compliance and regulatory environment.
• Understanding of benefits administration systems and technology integration.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Relevant certifications (CEBS, CBP, SHRM) are a plus.
• Benefits brokerage experience is advantageous.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)

Pay

Salary: $125,000 - $135,000