Benefits Manager

Our CompanyWe believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 280 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer. We run together to solve problems, reach goals, encourage others and champion our brand. Overview:Our Benefits Manager plays a crucial role in employee benefits programs and efficient administration of our benefit offerings. With a focus on a multi-state workforce, this role aids in ensuring Fleet Feet continues to offer a rich and competitive benefits plan to support employee well-being and success. This role will build processes and efficiencies to ensure the administration of company benefits is compliant.The Benefits Manager will be responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of our employee benefits programs. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, leaves, and other employee perks. The Benefits Manager should have a strong background in benefits administration, excellent communication skills, and a passion for working in a retail environment that is fast-paced, while doing the right thing for employees and the business.This is a hybrid position based in Carrboro, NC, with an expectation of working in the office three days per week. Candidates must currently live within commuting distance or be willing to relocate to the area.Responsibilities:Benefits Administration:Manage day-to-day benefits administration for health insurance, dental, vision, retirementplans, and other ancillary benefits.Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits enrollments, changes, andterminations, being mindful of multi-state compliance and risks.Proactively leverage third-party vendors to resolve issues and streamline benefitsprocesses.Lead invoice reconciliation for various carriers and work to maintain accurate billingrecords. Track and manage current benefit participants, as well as COBRA participants and newhires.Lead annual Open Enrollment communication and process.Own and partner strategically and proactively with Leadership and external members onBenefits initiatives, projects, and issues, resolving to completion.Customer Focus:Respond to employee, vendor, and leadership benefits-related questions and inquiries in atimely and positive way.Work to maintain and update educational resources for employees (FAQs, Benefits siteinformation, and other documents) using best practices for communications for ourworkforce.Balance the needs of the business, compliance with benefits, and employee needsCommunication and Collaboration:Proactively partner and collaborate with internal departments (HR, Finance, Retail Ops,Payroll) and leverage HR Business Partners by providing information proactively andpartnering with them on specific benefit situations.Effectively communicate and collaborate with your direct manager, sharing importantinformation and asking questions when clarity is needed.Compliance:Lead and file benefits reporting and auditing including annual reports, various filings,including annual reports, various filings, and other mandated reporting (OSHA, 5500,ACA, etc.).Administer, track, and proactively manage/own Leaves in accordance with the Fleet FeetHandbook, Federal and State laws.Leverage tools and resources to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices.Qualifications:Experience:5+ years of Benefit Administration, preferably in a start-up or retail settingRequired Skills:Proficiency and experience in Benefits Administration.Strong planning and time management skills.Clear, accurate and timely communication to get buy-in from stakeholders.Awareness of Federal and State regulations.Curious by nature, always seeking to understand more and doing investigative work.Willingness to dive in and get to the bottom of things.Knowledge of and experience with HR systems (HRIS & Benefit systems).Detail-oriented, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Benefits:Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, and more401(k) with 4% employer match and immediate vesting (available to part- and full-time employees age 21+ at company-owned stores)Training and advancement opportunities across the Fleet Feet brandProfessional development programs, including mentorship, employee resource groups, and monthly learning sessionsCommunity involvement and service initiatives supporting local engagementDiscounts on training programs and productsSupportive, passionate teammates who live the mission every dayFor full-time employees (30+ hours/week), check out our Fleet Feet benefits summary for details on healthcare, wellness, and more.Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations:We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We encourage people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Our dedication to inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, workplace culture, and community engagement.Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.