Benefits Manager

Benefits ManagerA growing organization is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead and enhance its U.S. employee benefits programs. This role will oversee the strategy, administration, financial performance, compliance, and ongoing improvement of benefit programs while serving as a key resource for employees, leadership, HR, Payroll, Finance, and external partners.The Benefits Manager will have significant ownership of a self-insured medical plan and pharmacy benefit program, including vendor management, claims and utilization analysis, renewals, cost-containment strategies, and plan design. This position will also oversee retirement, leave, wellness, and other employee benefit programs while managing a small benefits team.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals and employee needs.Manage the company's self-insured medical plan, including claims, utilization, financial performance, stop-loss coverage, and cost-management initiatives.Oversee the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) relationship, including pricing, rebates, guarantees, formulary strategy, specialty pharmacy, and vendor performance.Analyze medical and pharmacy claims, utilization trends, enrollment, and financial data to identify opportunities for improved outcomes and cost savings.Lead annual benefits renewals, Open Enrollment, plan design analysis, contribution modeling, system configuration, testing, and employee communications.Manage relationships with brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, PBMs, stop-loss carriers, and other benefits vendors.Support benefits integration associated with mergers and acquisitions, including evaluating existing programs and transitioning employees into company plans.Manage the annual benefits budget, financial forecasts, vendor expenses, claims-related costs, and plan reconciliations.Oversee benefits compliance and required filings, notices, audits, plan documents, and employee communications.Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, Medicare, and related requirements.Oversee the company's 401(k) program, including vendor management, compliance testing, employee support, and annual audits.Manage leave programs, including FMLA, short- and long-term disability, ADA coordination, and other leaves of absence.Partner with HRIS, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and HR teams to ensure accurate benefits administration, payroll deductions, eligibility, funding, and reporting.Serve as the subject matter expert for benefits administration within the HRIS and benefits platform.Identify opportunities to improve processes, automate administrative work, increase data accuracy, reduce costs, and improve the employee experience.Lead, coach, and develop a small benefits team while establishing priorities, performance expectations, and service standards.Qualifications5+ years of progressive employee benefits experience, including direct experience administering a self-insured health plan.Strong experience working with a PBM / Pharmacy Benefit Manager.Experience supporting a workforce of 500+ employees.At least 2 years of management, supervisory, or functional leadership experience.Experience working with medical TPAs, PBMs, brokers, consultants, stop-loss carriers, and benefits vendors.Strong understanding of self-funded plan design, claims, utilization, pharmacy costs, stop-loss, and cost-containment strategies.Experience with 401(k) administration and audits.Experience managing FMLA, disability, ADA coordination, and leaves of absence.Experience leading annual renewals and Open Enrollment.Strong analytical and financial skills, including the ability to analyze claims and benefits data and develop forecasts.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems; UKG experience is strongly preferred.Strong knowledge of benefits compliance and applicable federal and state regulations.Excellent vendor management, communication, project management, and organizational skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting mergers and acquisitions.Experience evaluating PBM contracts, rebates, guarantees, and specialty pharmacy programs.CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or another relevant professional designation.Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.Compensation & Work ArrangementBase Salary: Approximately $110,000 - $130,000Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PMWork Arrangement: Hybrid following an initial onsite training periodBenefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off