Sr. Benefits Manager

Job Summary The Senior Benefits Manager is a key leader within the Total Rewards organization, responsible for shaping and executing a multi-year Health & Welfare strategy while ensuring flawless day‑to‑day operations. This role owns plan performance, vendor outcomes, compliance risk management, and the end‑to‑end employee experience across medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, EAP, wellness, disability, and related point solutions. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Design Partner with the Director of Benefits to build and execute a 2–3 year Health & Welfare roadmap, aligned to workforce needs and financial goals. Lead market benchmarking and recommend plan design enhancements Evaluate point solutions; deliver business cases with ROI and implementation plans. Financial Management & Advanced Analytics Analyze claims/utilization trends, Rx spend, high-cost claimants, and program/point-solution outcomes; identify cost drivers and mitigation levers. Lead cost‑containment initiatives (plan design optimization, PBM contracting strategies, utilization management, disease management, value‑based care steerage). Maintain dashboards and vendor scorecards with KPIs (trend, PEPM, engagement, clinical outcomes, service quality). Vendor Strategy, Governance & Performance Lead day-to-day oversight of medical, dental, vision, EAP, wellness, disability/leave and point-solution vendors. Manage RFPs/RFIs, renewals, fee and guarantee negotiations, and implementation plans; ensure strong SLAs/PGs with quarterly business reviews and corrective actions. Drive integration and data flow across vendors and point solutions to improve member navigation and financial outcomes. Operational Excellence & Employee Experience Own open enrollment planning through delivery (communications development, requirements, testing, content, systems readiness, call center prep, issue triage). Ensure accurate, compliant administration across eligibility, life events, billing, appeals, and escalations; minimize error rates and rework. Partner with Communications vendor, medical vendors and internal resources to deliver plain‑language, inclusive, multi‑channel benefits communications that drive understanding and smart choices. Serve as a senior escalation point, balancing empathy, policy, and fiduciary responsibility. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, MHPAEA, Gag Clause Attestation, RxDC, Form 5500, PCORI, and applicable state laws. Maintain plan documents, SPDs/SBCs, plan policies, fiduciary calendar, and governance artifacts. Partner with Legal, Finance, and HRIS to manage audits, filings, and data privacy; mitigate plan and fiduciary risk. Change Leadership and Projects Lead complex cross-functional initiatives (e.g., plan changes, PBM optimization, new vendor integrations). Own project plans, milestones, readiness, testing and post go live stabilization; communicate proactively with stakeholders. People Leadership & Collaboration Manage, coach, and develop a high-performing benefits team; set goals, provide feedback, and build bench strength. Serve as a trusted advisor to HR Business Partners, Total Rewards peers, and business leaders; articulate tradeoffs and influence decisions. Location & Work Availability This position is Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote), based at our corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Up to 10-15% overnight travel may be required for vendor meetings, conferences and site visits. Benefits Summary We believe in supporting our Team Members and those they love through comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Learn more here: Qualifications Proven ability to develop and execute benefits strategy while driving operational excellence Strong experience independently leading vendor strategy, including RFPs, negotiations, performance management, and complex benefit ecosystems Financial and analytical acumen; able to use data to inform decisions and drive cost and quality outcomes (advanced Excel; BI tools a plus) Demonstrated success leading teams and cross-functional initiatives in complex, multi-state or large-population environments Experience managing benefits delivery across HRIS and benefits administration platforms Skilled in communicating and implementing programs for a geographically dispersed workforce Solid understanding of compliance, risk management, and fiduciary responsibilities Excellent executive communication, influence, and change leadership skills Strong coaching mindset with a track record of building team capability and culture Project management expertise (PMP or similar certification a plus) Certifications, Experience, And Education Certifications: CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR, or similar credentials preferred Experience: 10+ years progressive experience in Health & Welfare benefits with self‑funded medical/PBM expertise and at least 5 years in a leadership role; and Education: Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, Public Health, or related field; or equivalent combination of experience and/or education We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr