Benefits Manager

Position Summary

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration, analysis, and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, leave of absence, and wellness initiatives. This role serves as a subject matter expert for benefits administration, compliance, vendor management, employee communications, and benefits-related reporting. The Benefits Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, and external vendors to ensure accurate, compliant, and employee-focused benefits delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer and oversee employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, eligibility, and plan maintenance.
• Manage open enrollment processes, including planning, testing, employee communications, and post-enrollment audits.
• Facilitate processing of employee life events and benefits changes.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of benefits billing and payroll deductions.
• Administer 401k and DB pension plans.

Employee Support

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex employee benefits inquiries.
• Educate employees on benefit plans, coverage options, and enrollment procedures.
• Provide guidance on leave programs, disability claims, and retirement benefits.
• Conduct benefits orientation sessions for new hires and employee groups.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and Section 125 requirements.
• Support preparation and distribution of required benefits notices and disclosures.
• Assist with benefits audits and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain accurate plan documentation and employee records.

Vendor & Relationship Management

• Act as the primary liaison with insurance carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, and retirement plan providers.
• Monitor vendor performance and service-level agreements.
• Assist in issue resolution and escalation management with vendors.
• Support annual benefits renewals and implementation of new programs.

Reporting & Analytics

• Analyze benefits data and provide recommendations to improve plan utilization, employee experience, and cost management.
• Develop and maintain reports related to enrollment, participation, claims trends, and benefits expenditures.
• Support budgeting and financial forecasting activities related to employee benefits.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.

HR Technology Support

• Maintain benefits configuration within HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Participate in system testing for benefit plan changes and enhancements.
• Ensure data integrity between HRIS, payroll, and vendor systems.
• Support special projects as needed

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 5–8+ years of benefits administration/compliance/vendor management experience, preferably in a multi-site organization.
• Experience managing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave programs.
• Experience working with ADP Workforce Now and benefits administration systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, and retirement plan administration.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and HR technology systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR)
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP

Reports To: Sr. Director, Total Rewards & HR Technology
Location: Hybrid (3 days/week on-site)