Employee Benefits Manager
Design, implement, manage, administer, and communicate the company’s benefits and compensation programs. This role contributes to ensuring that the benefits and compensation packages are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. Additionally, this role serves as a technical point-of-contact for assigned functional areas. The manager will also ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Own benefits system configuration and administration requirements
- Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, leave and disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and other prerequisites
- Evaluate and recommend new benefits programs that align with business objectives as well as enhance employee attraction, retention, and motivation
- Participate in annual benefit planning, vendor negotiations, and renewal processes
- Analyze benefits data to monitor program effectiveness, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations for improvements
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand the effectiveness of the benefits offerings
- Support management of the benefits budget, ensuring cost control and financial efficiency, and controlling invoice administration
- Support mergers and acquisitions by integrating total rewards programs
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding benefits
- Stay current on industry trends and best practices
- Stay updated on legislative changes affecting employee benefits, including the impact any changes may have on the company
- Team with external vendors and internal stakeholders to develop and update benefits policies and procedures
- Identify and implement technology enhancements that improve employee experience and administrative efficiency
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, FMLA, Section 125 cafeteria plan requirements, state and local leave regulations
- Lead benefits-related projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives
- Coordinate annual compliance activities, filings, testing, and audits
- Analyze utilization, claims, and enrollment data to identify trends and opportunities
- Maintain plan documents, summary plan descriptions, notices, and administrative procedures
- Partner with internal and external legal counsel on benefits-related compliance matters
- Serve as a main point-of-contact for employees and as a point of escalation for the businesses regarding benefits -related inquiries
- Support the development, implementation, and communication strategies to educate employees and HR Managers about the company’s total well-being offerings
- Lead annual open enrollment activities
- Manage change management and communication efforts associated with new programs and regulatory changes
- Conduct benefits orientation sessions and provide ongoing support
- Support relationships with benefits providers and vendors, including but not limited to negotiating and managing contracts, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service
- Manage the company’s employee-facing benefits administration website, including being the first level support for the divisions
- Partner with HRIS and payroll teams to ensure data integrity and successful integrations
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3+ years of progressive compensation and benefits experience
- Strong knowledge of compensation and benefits laws and regulations
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- A plus for proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software
- A plus for certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or CCP (Certified Compensation Professional)
- Exceptional ability to collaborate, provide technical support, and train team members
- Strong problem solving/analytical skills with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- Ability to work in a dynamic organization by balancing multiple priorities
- Knowledge of laws related to human resources and payroll, including ERISA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, Wage & Hour and EEO regulations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
- Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, with initiative and accuracy
