Benefits Manager

Position Summary:

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the hands-on administration and management of the organization's employee benefits programs. This includes overseeing health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leave management, wellness initiatives, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition to day-to-day operations, the Benefits Manager supports the development and enhancement of benefits design by assisting in strategy and recommending improvements to meet organizational needs. The Benefits Manager ensures accurate and efficient processing, assists employees in understanding and utilizing their benefits, and conducts regular reviews for accuracy and improvement. This role is based at the corporate level and emphasizes practical execution, system-driven administration, and collaborative input into benefits strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration & Operations

• Provide oversight of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and retirement plans.
• Ensure benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events are processed accurately and efficiently through automated file feeds and integrated HRIS systems; monitor data flow and resolve exceptions in partnership with vendors and internal teams.
• Maintain governance over system integrations between internal HR platforms and external carriers to ensure seamless, compliant, and timely data exchange.
• Oversee leave of absence programs (e.g., FMLA, STD, LTD, parental leave), ensuring consistent application of policies across the organization and alignment with federal and state regulations.
• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile benefits billing and resolve discrepancies; ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Conduct periodic audits of benefits data and system processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and optimal performance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits-related inquiries, partnering with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, and FMLA.
• Coordinate and support the data collection process for outsourced government reporting requirements, such as Form 5500 and ACA filings, ensuring completeness and accuracy of information provided to external partners.
• Maintain documentation and records to support audits and regulatory reviews.
• Monitor legislative changes and assess impact on current benefit programs; recommend and implement necessary changes.

Vendor & Program Management

• Manage relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Participate in vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation.
• Coordinate with vendors to resolve service issues and improve employee experience.
• Evaluate benefit plan performance and recommend enhancements to improve cost-effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

Employee Communication & Support

• Coordinate the development and distribution of benefits communication materials, such as plan summaries, FAQs, and guides, by collaborating with relevant teams or vendors rather than creating these materials independently.
• Conduct benefits orientation for new hires and annual open enrollment sessions.
• Provide one-on-one support to employees regarding benefits questions, claims issues, and coverage options.
• Create and maintain a benefits intranet site or portal for easy access to information.

Strategic Planning & Analysis

• Analyze benefits utilization and cost trends; prepare reports for HR leadership and finance.
• Assist in developing benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals and workforce needs.
• Benchmark benefits offerings against industry standards and recommend competitive enhancements.
• Support wellness and employee engagement initiatives tied to benefits programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration
• Strong understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with HRIS systems, preferably Paycom and benefits platforms.
• CEBS certification preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.