HR Manager - Employee Benefits

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a member of the HR leadership team, the HR Manager – Employee Benefits oversees the development, implementation, and management of our benefit programs to ensure they are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business goals. This role is critical in supporting the well-being and satisfaction of our employees across multiple brands and markets. The HR Manager serves as a subject-matter expert, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver high-quality benefit programs, provide exceptional employee support, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Benefits Design and Promotion:

• Working closely with the VP of HR and internal stakeholders, research, select, and design competitive benefit offerings for employees.
• Lead the annual benefit contract renewal process and open enrollment, collaborating with brokers to design strategies and update materials.
• Design and deliver employee benefit presentations for onboarding.
• Creatively package and promote benefits to new hires and current employees, using engaging messaging and delivery methods.
• Continuously identify innovative ways to educate employees on available benefits and resources.

Benefits Administration and Vendor Management:

• Manage the administration of all benefit programs, including billing, enrollments, terminations, and ongoing compliance with ACA, COBRA, and other regulations.
• Administer the 401(k) plan to ensure accuracy of data flows and a seamless employee experience.
• Oversee the online enrollment process, payroll deduction updates, and all communications related to deadlines and processes.
• Work closely with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently.
• Maintain a productive relationship with all benefit vendors.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure benefit-related compliance with federal and state regulations including ACA filings, 5500 forms, EEO-1 reporting, OSHA reporting, etc.

Employee and Leadership Support:

• Ensure timely and clear resolutions to benefit questions/concerns from employees at the Home Office and schools in all markets.
• Act as a liaison and resource for leadership and provide guidance as needed.

Wellness Program Leadership:

• Lead the organization’s wellness initiatives, including design and expansion of programs such as the annual Movement Program and additional wellness offerings.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct report(s) to this role include: Benefits Assistant.

Other:

• Partner with the HR team to align benefits strategies with broader organizational objectives.
• Participate in strategic planning as a member of the HR leadership team, and drive deliverables pertaining to employee benefits.
• Assist with other HR initiatives as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource or related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits administration, including at least 2 years in a management role.
• Experience working with a multi-state, large hourly workforce.
• Deep knowledge of federal benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, etc. State-specific knowledge also required preferably in MN, CO, ID, IA, KS, NE and NC.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess data and make informed recommendations.
• Exceptional communication, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Must be adaptable to various competing priorities.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with benefits management platforms and Microsoft Office suites. Experience with UKG Pro is a plus.
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP are preferred.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

• Annual Salary: $80,000 - $90,000
• Bonus potential: Up to $1,000/year (paid out quarterly)
• Company sponsored medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(K) plans, with company match.
• Paid time off
• Best-in-Class Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous childcare discounts at any New Horizon Academy and Kinderberry Hill locations across the U.S.

This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, New Horizon Academy reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary or desired. E.O.E.