Benefits Manager

Location: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco Job Description About L.E.K. Consulting is a premier global strategy consulting firm that partners with clients to solve their most critical business challenges and deliver high-impact outcomes. We bring deep industry expertise and rigorous, evidence-based insight to global corporations, growth companies and private equity investors, helping them turn strategy into action. How do we deliver impact? It’s the people. We hire exceptional individuals and invest in their growth through hands‑on client work, close collaboration and a culture of ownership, inclusion and continuous learning. Across every level, curiosity unites us and challenge excites us. Founded more than 40 years ago, L.E.K. employs more than 2,200 professionals worldwide and is consistently recognized as one of the industry's best firms to work for. For more information, visit lek.com. Overview of role We are seeking a seasoned Benefits Manager who is energized by building, enhancing, and continuously improving employee benefit programs. This is not a maintenance role; we are looking for someone who ensures there is no dust collecting on the shelf. The right candidate will take pride in proactively identifying opportunities, anticipating challenges, and refining processes so that recurring issues become lasting solutions. This individual will serve as the face of U.S. benefits at L.E.K., partnering closely with leadership while delivering an exceptional experience for our employees. They will own the full lifecycle of benefits administration, from strategy and renewals to open enrollment execution, compliance oversight, vendor management, and ongoing optimization. The ideal candidate is confident managing complex programs end‑to‑end, comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability, and motivated by both the financial stewardship and employee impact of a highly valued benefits portfolio. This role reports directly to the Sr. Director of People for the US and does not have direct reports. Responsibilities Own and elevate the full lifecycle of L.E.K.’s U.S. benefits programs — from strategy and renewals to daily execution and continuous improvement. Lead end‑to‑end open enrollment execution; partnering with our leadership team and broker on designing timelines, building communications, coordinating system testing, and ensuring a seamless employee experience. Stand up new benefit programs and enhancements. Serve as the primary relationship owner for brokers, carriers, and specialty vendors; setting expectations, driving accountability, and ensuring service excellence. Oversee compliance excellence across ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, HSA/HDHP regulations, and related governance requirements. Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure audit integrity, financial accuracy, and disciplined cost management. Analyze trends and proactively identify cost containment opportunities while preserving a competitive and high‑value offering. Develop compelling employee education materials and serve as a trusted expert resource for complex benefit inquiries. Build and maintain a forward‑looking benefits roadmap aligned to talent strategy and firm growth. Continuously refine processes to eliminate recurring challenges and ensure best‑in‑class program execution. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred. 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration or total rewards. Strong working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HSA/HDHP regulations, and benefits compliance frameworks. Experience with multi‑state benefit programs required. Experience managing plans with participant numbers of 500-1000 required. Experience managing vendor relationships and participating in renewal negotiations. Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday and ADP preferred). Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret financial and utilization data. Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Strong communication skills and ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Professional services or consulting industry experience preferred. Additional Information The expected base salary range for this position is $95,000 – $140,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. L.E.K. Consulting offers a competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, HSA contributions (where applicable), paid time off, and other firm‑sponsored benefits. This role is based in either our Boston or Chicago office and follows our hybrid work model for U.S. offices. We require employees to be in their assigned home office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week, as well as the first Friday of each month. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for employer sponsorship. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider candidates requiring visa sponsorship, including but not limited to H‑1B, TN, F‑1 (OPT/CPT/STEM), or other work authorization. L.E.K. Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In accordance with applicable state and local laws, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances. For more information and to apply, please visit: #J-18808-Ljbffr