Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead the strategy, administration, and continuous enhancement of employee benefits and retirement programs within a growing, multi-location organization. This role will serve as the subject matter expert for health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, vendor partnerships, compliance, and employee benefits education. The ideal candidate brings deep, hands-on benefits expertise, strong knowledge of self-funded plans and retirement programs, and a track record of supporting a distributed workforce while delivering an exceptional employee experience.

What You'll Do

• Lead the administration and ongoing management of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, leave, and retirement offerings.
• Serve as the primary benefits expert, partnering with vendors, brokers, consultants, and internal stakeholders to optimize plan performance and employee satisfaction.
• Manage retirement plan administration, compliance, governance, participant education, and vendor relationships.
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to benefit offerings, plan design, and overall benefits strategy.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, employee communications, and education initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations related to employee benefits and retirement programs.
• Oversee benefit data accuracy, vendor integrations, eligibility administration, reporting, billing, and reconciliation processes.
• Support leave management programs and collaborate with HR and operational leaders to address employee needs.
• Manage vendor selection, negotiations, performance reviews, and service delivery expectations.
• Analyze benefits utilization, trends, and program effectiveness to provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Develop employee-facing communications, training materials, and resources that improve benefits awareness and engagement.
• Serve as a trusted resource for leaders and employees regarding benefits-related questions and escalated issues.
• Partner cross-functionally on compensation-related processes, incentive administration, and other HR initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive benefits management experience.
• Strong expertise in health and welfare benefits administration, plan design, and strategy.
• Extensive experience managing retirement and 401(k) programs, including governance and compliance.
• Proven success managing vendor, broker, consultant, and carrier relationships.
• Deep understanding of benefits-related regulatory requirements and compliance obligations.
• Experience supporting employees across multiple locations and/or states.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefits information to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with HR systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

About Ferretti Search

Ferretti Search is a specialized recruitment firm connecting organizations with exceptional talent across Human Resources, Accounting & Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology, and Professional Services. Our team is committed to building meaningful relationships and delivering customized talent solutions that help both clients and candidates achieve long-term success. We take pride in providing a high-touch, consultative approach while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality throughout the search process.