Benefits Manager

Job Details Job Location: Irving, TX 75038 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: Graduate Degree or higher Travel Percentage: Up to 25% Job Shift: Day Job Category: People Operations Who We Are RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America’s rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed to solving our customers’ challenges and earning their trust through teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence. As a people‑first organization, we prioritize the safety, well‑being, and growth of our employees, fostering a culture of caring and support. We believe that when our people thrive, our company thrives. Job Summary The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and continuous improvement of the organization’s health, welfare, retirement, and leave of absence programs across the United States while supporting the development and management of benefits relationships in Canada and Mexico. This role serves as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, retirement plan providers, and third‑party vendors to ensure competitive, compliant, and employee‑focused benefit offerings. The Benefits Manager partners closely with leadership to analyze market trends, evaluate program effectiveness, recommend enhancements, and implement benefit strategies that support employee well‑being, retention, and organizational growth. The position oversees leave administration processes and manages vendor relationships supporting FMLA and other statutory leave programs. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of U.S. health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs Evaluate benefit programs annually to ensure competitiveness, cost‑effectiveness, and alignment with company objectives Analyze utilization, enrollment, claims, and market data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement Develop recommendations for benefit plan changes, enhancements, and cost‑containment initiatives Lead annual benefits planning, renewal, and open enrollment processes Serve as the primary point of contact for all U.S. benefits brokers, carriers, consultants, and third‑party administrators Develop and maintain strong partnerships with insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, and benefits vendors Manage vendor performance through regular service reviews, audits, reporting, and contract evaluations Partner with brokers and consultants to evaluate emerging benefit trends, legislative changes, and marketplace opportunities Negotiate with vendors and carriers to secure favorable pricing, service levels, and plan designs Establish and maintain relationships with benefit providers, brokers, consultants, and vendors in Canada and Mexico Partner with local HR, payroll, and business leaders to support benefit program administration and compliance in each country Evaluate opportunities to improve benefit offerings and employee experience across international operations Stay informed on evolving benefits regulations and market practices in Canada and Mexico Oversee company leave of absence programs Partner with the organization's third‑party leave administrator to ensure compliant and consistent administration of FMLA and related leave programs Review leave metrics, trends, and vendor performance to drive continuous process improvements Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding leave policies and procedures Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125 regulations, and retirement plan regulations Coordinate required filings, notices, audits, and plan documentation Partner with legal counsel, brokers, and vendors regarding compliance matters and regulatory updates Monitor legislative developments and recommend necessary updates to programs and policies Develop and execute employee benefits communication strategies Create and oversee educational materials, presentations, and resources that improve employee understanding and utilization of benefits programs Support benefit‑related training for managers and employees Lead benefits communications during open enrollment and throughout the year Directly supervise and develop a Benefits Administrator Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations for the benefits team Provide coaching, training, and professional development opportunities Foster a high level of customer service and operational excellence within the benefits function Utilize data analytics to support strategic decision‑making and program enhancements Prepare reports and presentations for leadership Occasional travel up to 15%; travel may include but is not limited to RailPros office locations, broker or vendor meetings, leadership meetings, training and professional development programs, or conferences Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture, free from behaviors that undermine morale, productivity, or organizational values Uphold the organization’s standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all duties and interactions Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of employee benefits regulations and compliance requirements Understanding of retirement plan administration and fiduciary responsibilities Knowledge of leave laws and accommodation processes Strong analytical and financial acumen Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills Ability to evaluate market trends and develop strategic recommendations Strong project management and organizational skills Excellent communication and presentation skills Advanced proficiency with HRIS, benefits systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools Strong leadership, coaching, and relationship‑building abilities Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field required 7+ years of progressive benefits administration experience 3+ years of experience managing health and welfare benefits programs Experience managing 401(k) retirement plans and vendor relationships Experience managing leave of absence programs Experience managing benefits brokers, carriers, consultants, and external vendors Experience supporting multi‑state employers required 3+ years supervisory experience Additional Qualifications, Certifications, etc. CEBS, CBP, SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, SPHR, or related certifications preferred Why RailPros? A People‑First Culture (Caring): At RailPros, you’re more than an employee; you’re part of a team driven by genuine care and respect. Our Align29 pillar of Caring reflects our deep commitment to supporting your growth, well‑being, and success every step of the way. A Workplace Where Your Voice Matters (Sharing): Our Sharing culture encourages transparency, active dialogue, and collaboration across every level of the company. A Company Invested in Your Growth (Progress): Through continuous improvement of our systems, processes, and operations, our Progress pillar ensures you have the tools and support to excel. An Innovative, Industry‑Leading Environment (Innovation): Our Innovation pillar fuels creative problem‑solving, modern technology adoption, and breakthrough thinking that positions RailPros as a leader in the rail and transit space. Benefits & Perks Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee‑to‑family coverage. Legal Shield, ID Shield, Pet Insurance: Added protection for you (and your pets). Life & Disability Insurance: Employer provided coverage with additional voluntary options available. Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match includes pre‑ and post‑deduction options. Paid Time Off (PTO): With carryover each year. Paid Holidays: For full‑time employees. Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives and resources. Discount Programs: Exclusive discounts on products and services. Company Merchandise Allowance: Company‑funded allowance for our online store. Health Savings Accounts (HSA): With employer match. Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Employer funded. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent‑care expenses. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges. Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth. Balanced Work Environment: A culture that respects boundaries so employees can recharge and bring their best selves to work. Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education or professional development. Professional & Career Growth: Through mentorship, continuous training, career‑path partnerships, goal setting, and succession planning. Culture & Recognition: Employee spotlights, annual Service Excellence Awards, alignment committee, philanthropy opportunities, company events, monthly new‑hire calls, monthly newsletters, feedback surveys, and quarterly town halls. Choose a career where your work truly matters. At RailPros, you’ll be part of a stable, growing industry and a team driven by strong core values. We collaborate, innovate, and stay ahead of industry changes to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Our culture is built on trust, continuous improvement, and practical problem‑solving. If you’re passionate about making an impact and want to grow with a dedicated, supportive team, join us and contribute to our success. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) RailPros provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations unless doing so would impose undue hardship. For accommodation requests, contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr