Benefits Manager

Position Description: Benefits Manager

Title: Benefits Manager

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Company: T. Parker Host

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

Location: Headquarters – Avondale, LA

T. Parker Host is a century-old maritime company known for going above and beyond for our customers as both ship agents and terminal operators. We leverage our network of exceptional team members, assets, data-driven analytics and deep industry knowledge to add value to diverse cargoes throughout the supply chain.

HOST’s customer-tailored solutions and deep industry knowledge have led us to new undertakings and exponential growth. We now have over 20 agency, terminal and stevedoring operations throughout the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, all positioned to offer the exceptional level of service we’ve been providing for 100 years – driven by data, experience and our core principles.

The Person: The successful candidate will have the following behaviors and demonstrate the competencies below.

Core Principles: All team members must demonstrate an ability to adhere and understand the core principles of the company. This team member must be able to provide value and depth to the Core Principles of Host.

• Our people are our greatest assets.

• Their safety is our top priority.

• We provide exceptional service.

• We believe every relationship is important.

• We are detectives, understanding all activities within our markets.

• We know today's opportunities are tomorrow's growth.

• We conduct all business with integrity.

• We build on our legacy.

Position Summary: The Benefits Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and coordination of the Company's employee benefits and leave programs. This position serves as the primary point of contact for benefits and leave-related matters and works closely with employees, HR leadership, payroll, benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and other vendors.

The Benefits Manager will ensure benefit and leave programs are administered accurately, consistently, and in accordance with applicable regulations, plan documents, and Company policies. This role requires strong attention to detail, follow-through, problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently manage routine benefits and leave matters while escalating complex issues to the Director of Human Resources as appropriate.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA/FSA, EAP, voluntary benefits, and other Company-sponsored programs.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions, including eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, coverage issues, and benefit-related concerns.

• Manage benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, eligibility updates, payroll deductions, invoice reconciliation, and related benefit records, ensuring accuracy across HRIS and vendor systems.

• Manage employee leaves of absence from initial request through return to work, including FMLA, military, personal, parental, disability-related, and other applicable federal, state, and Company leave programs.

• Determine leave eligibility, provide required notices, track documentation and deadlines, communicate with employees and managers, and coordinate leave with disability, workers' compensation, PTO, and other applicable benefits.

• Partner with the Director of Human Resources on complex leave situations, accommodations, compliance matters, and other issues requiring additional review.

• Coordinate the day-to-day administration of the Company's 401(k) plan, including employee inquiries, eligibility, loans, distributions, contributions, audits, testing, and required reporting.

• Lead the annual open enrollment process and support benefit renewals in partnership with the Director of Human Resources, Finance, brokers, carriers, and vendors.

• Coordinate benefit communications, enrollment materials, employee education, and approved plan changes across benefit systems and payroll.

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for benefit brokers, carriers, third-party administrators, and other vendors, ensuring issues are researched, followed through, and resolved timely.

• Administer benefit and leave programs in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements, plan documents, and Company policies, including required notices, audits, filings, and reporting.

• Conduct routine audits of benefit enrollment, eligibility, deductions, leave records, invoices, and HRIS data and coordinate corrections when discrepancies are identified.

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve benefit and leave processes, documentation, accuracy, efficiency, and the employee experience.

• Partner with HR, payroll, HRIS, and other internal teams to resolve issues, maintain accurate records, and provide benefit and leave reporting as needed.

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

• 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration, leave administration, or a related HR function.

• Experience administering employee benefits and leave programs for a multi-state workforce required.

• Hands-on experience administering FMLA and other federal and state leave programs required.

• Experience administering health and welfare benefits, 401(k) plans, and annual open enrollment.

• Working knowledge of applicable benefits and leave requirements, including FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA.

• Experience working with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators.

• Strong attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, and follow-through.

• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and take ownership of issues through resolution.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems; ADP Workforce Now experience preferred.

• HR or benefits professional certification preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing computer-based and administrative work.

• Ability to frequently operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, vendors, and other stakeholders in person, by telephone, virtually, and in writing.

• Ability to review and interpret information presented electronically and in printed documents.

• Ability to occasionally move throughout the office and between work areas to attend meetings, retrieve documents, or perform other job-related duties.

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull office materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to occasionally travel to Company locations, meetings, benefits events, or other business-related activities, as required.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The duties and responsibilities described above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with this position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

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