Benefits & Wellness Manager (Hybrid)

What You''ll Be Doing

As the Benefits & Wellness Manager, this role guides Wake County's comprehensive benefits and wellness strategy and ensures programs effectively support the wellbeing of a wide-ranging workforce. The position oversees a suite of self‑insured plans including medical, dental, pharmacy, disability, retirement, EAP, and an integrated leave program, along with the County's nationally recognized holistic wellness program.

This leader directs high‑impact initiatives such as open enrollment, benefits renewals, system updates, regulatory compliance, and strategic plan design enhancements. The work centers on strengthening the employee experience, advancing operational efficiency, and ensuring programs remain competitive, cost‑effective, and responsive to organizational needs.

Success in this role requires strong leadership capability, a deep understanding of complex benefits environments, and the ability to build productive relationships across the County. The manager brings clarity to intricate benefits issues, supports employees and leaders with accuracy and care, and contributes to shaping the long‑term vision for Wake County's benefits philosophy.

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Key responsibilities include:

• Managing daily operations of benefits and wellness programs to maintain reliable, high‑quality service
• Overseeing vendor contracts, addressing escalated concerns, and ensuring strong vendor performance
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant benefits laws and regulations
• Maintaining plan documents, required reporting, and participant communications
• Reviewing and reconciling benefits accounts and invoices to ensure accuracy
• Serving on the County's Benefits Committee and recommending updates driven by data, market trends, and organizational needs
• Leading major system and program initiatives that strengthen program performance
• Developing communication strategies in partnership with vendors and Communications to support clear and accessible employee information
• Partnering with HR, Legal, Payroll, IT, and other departments to improve processes and ensure operational alignment
• Coaching, developing, and supporting staff, to foster engagement, performance, and growth

About Our Team

Wake County's Human Resources Department partners closely with county leadership to deliver innovative, results-driven, and customer-focused HR programs and services. With a team of about 70 dedicated professionals, we provide a wide range of support including Benefits and Employee Wellness, Recruitment, Rewards and Recognition, Employee Relations, Training, and more.

Our department is consistently recognized for excellence in wellness and talent management. Through forward-thinking strategies that serve as industry models, we''ve helped position Wake County as a national leader in public sector HR. Honors such as the Healthiest Employer Hall of Fame and the Agency Award for Excellence reflect our commitment to creating a thriving workplace.

We invite you to explore our competitive benefits package, which includes a 5% 401(k) contribution and free access to the Employee Health Center. Join us in building a stronger, healthier, and more innovative Wake County.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor''s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
• Six years of experience in human resources administration, including at least two years of human resources management experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

Candidates who bring a blend of analytical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a strong customer‑service mindset will be especially successful in this role.

• Advanced degree in human resources, public administration, business, or a related discipline
• Professional HR certifications from HRCI, SHRM, IPMA, and/or WorldatWork
• Eight years of experience in employee benefits and leave administration
• Three or more years of experience managing contracts
• Experience overseeing a large benefits budget
• Experience with self‑insured plans
• Experience in public sector, healthcare, higher education, or similarly complex, regulated organizations

How Will We Know You''re ''The One''?

• Expertise in benefits design, regulatory compliance, and leave administration
• Ability to lead teams collaboratively through change, develop staff capabilities, and leverage strong working relationships
• Skilled in analyzing complex data, identifying trends, and translating insights into operational improvements
• Strong communication abilities with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and responsiveness across audiences
• Demonstrated capability to lead large projects, manage competing priorities, navigate complex issues, and deliver reliable results
• Proven success in plan assessment, managing large budgets, building vendor partnerships, and improving service delivery
• Commitment to customer service, ethical decision making, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence

About This Position

Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC 27602

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Hiring Range: 125,000.00 - 155,000.00

Market Range: 99,333.00 - 178,793.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: Open until filled. Applicant review starts 8/17/2026.

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County's seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina's most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County's FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.