Benefits Manager

HR Manager – Benefits & Leave Administration Employer: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). Supervisory Organization: Executive Administration –Neal A McCaleb Transportation Building. Location: Oklahoma City, OK. 100% in-office position. Work Hours: Full time. Regular. Compensation: $41.54 per hour ($86,400 annually). Why join the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority? The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has been serving Oklahomans since 1947, managing and maintaining a modern, safe, and efficient turnpike system across the state. With a commitment to customer service and innovation, OTA plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and reliable travel for millions of motorists each year. As a part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. OTA offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth, making it an excellent choice to build your career in public service. Position Overview: This is a full-time, 100% in-office position located in Oklahoma City, OK and is responsible for managing and administering key human resources functions, including employee benefits, retirement programs, HR compliance, leave administration, employee support, and HR operations. This position serves as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership by providing guidance on policies, procedures, employment laws, and best practices. The HR Manager independently manages complex benefit, leave, and accommodation matters; oversees benefit administration and retirement processes; coordinates HR operations and reporting; and partners with agency leadership to develop consistent, legally compliant, and effective human resources practices. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Benefits & Retirement Management Manage the administration of employee benefit programs and retirement plans, serving as the primary resource for employees and leadership regarding eligibility, enrollment, changes, and issue resolution. Provide guidance and interpretation of state employee benefits, retirement programs, policies, and procedures to ensure accurate and consistent information is communicated. Oversee timely processing of benefit transactions and ensure employee requests are appropriately reviewed, initiated, tracked, and resolved. Research and resolve complex benefit-related issues by collaborating with internal stakeholders and external benefit providers as needed. Lead the annual Open Enrollment process, including planning, communication strategy, scheduling, employee education sessions, presentations, and individual employee consultations. Monitor benefit-related processes and identify opportunities for improvement, increased efficiency, and enhanced employee experience. Serve as the agency resource for retirement-related questions, processes, and employee support. HR Compliance & Employee Relations Manage and oversee HR compliance processes related to: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodations Disability and medical leave processes Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requirements Other applicable employment laws and regulations. Lead the interactive process for reasonable accommodation requests by partnering with employees, leadership, and applicable stakeholders to evaluate and implement effective accommodations. Manage leave and accommodation cases from initiation through resolution, ensuring required notices, documentation, communications, and regulatory timelines are completed accurately and timely. Provide clear, timely, and supportive communication to employees regarding leave, accommodations, and other employment matters while maintaining confidentiality and compliance. Monitor compliance requirements, identify potential risks, and recommend appropriate action to leadership. Maintain accurate case documentation and ensure records are managed in accordance with applicable requirements. HRIS, Reporting & Payroll Administration Manage and maintain accurate employee records and HR transactions within the Human Resources Information System (Workday). Review and approve HR transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with established procedures. Develop, analyze, and utilize HR reports to support decision-making, compliance monitoring, and operational effectiveness. Oversee the review of employee timekeeping information to support accurate payroll processing and timely resolution of discrepancies. Manage biweekly benefit reporting processes by reviewing employee changes, identifying discrepancies, initiating corrective action, and coordinating with appropriate stakeholders. Ensure data integrity within HR systems and identify opportunities to improve HR processes and reporting capabilities. Human Resources Leadership & Employee Support Serve as a strategic HR partner and point of contact for employees and leadership regarding human resources matters. Provide guidance and consultation regarding agency policies, procedures, state statutes, federal employment laws, and human resources best practices. Advise leaders on employee-related matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace concerns, and appropriate resolution strategies. Promote consistent application of HR policies and procedures while balancing organizational needs and employee support. Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills by evaluating situations, considering alternatives, and recommending effective solutions. Lead and participate in HR initiatives, projects, process improvements, and organizational programs as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree plus three years of professional level experience in human resources management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience (7 years total), substituting one additional year of professional or technical public sector human resources management experience for each year of the required education. At least one year of experience administering state of Oklahoma employee benefit or retirement programs, including assisting employees with eligibility, enrollment, changes, issue resolution, or retirement-related processes. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting or coordinating an annual benefits Open Enrollment process, including employee communications, enrollment activities, presentations, system transactions, or issue resolution. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of human resources management, staff development, or training policies and procedures; of the Oklahoma Personnel Act and the Merit Rules for Personnel Administration; of affirmative action and equal opportunity guidelines and procedures; of federal laws and regulations concerning human resources management, and employment practices; of the structure and functions of governmental organizations; of interviewing and investigative techniques; of business communications; of the legislative process; and of supervisory principles and practices. Ability is required to plan, direct and coordinate the activities of others; to interpret, analyze and resolve administrative and human resources management or staff development problems; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to organize and conduct several projects simultaneously; and to analyze complex situations and adopt an appropriate course of action. Level Descriptor Incumbents are assigned responsibility for a human resources management or human resource development/training program which is limited in size and scope. This may include those in an agency or institution with less than 200 FTE, a human resources staff of three or less, a patient/client average monthly census of less than 200 or responsibilities for coordination of human resources management functions primarily within the agency or institution. Other positions which may be included at this level are those which are the only professional human resources management position within the agency or institution, with overall responsibility for developing and implementing human resources management policies and procedures, those responsible for providing human resources consultant services to multiple agencies in an agency services role, and various positions which are assigned responsibilities which involve assisting in the planning, coordination, and direction of one or more specialized phases of a human resources management program or direct responsibility for a specific program area. Benefit Highlights Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families. Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%). OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November1,2015. Paid Leave: 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service. Paid Leave: 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service. Paid Leave: 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service. Paid Leave: 25 days annually for over 20 years of service. Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year. Paid Maternity leave for eligible employees. Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually. Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies. Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure. Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being. Equal Opportunity Employer OTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub. #J-18808-Ljbffr