Benefits Manager

Benefits ManagerJoin Bell Partners and be a difference maker.At Bell Partners, our mission is to be the apartment company of choice by creating value and honoring commitments to our residents, partners, and associates. We proudly serve our community of 85,000+ homes across 13 states and the District of Columbia. As stewards entrusted to contribute with care and appreciation, our 2,000 associates succeed in a dynamic space where everyone impacts. We take pride in producing outstanding results and fostering a work environment that allows everyone to contribute to their fullest potential. We rise above industry standards when every associate embraces their unique role and seizes the opportunity to make an impact.The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of Bell's benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit offerings. This role serves as the primary liaison among employees, vendors, consultants, carriers, payroll, finance, HR leadership, and other related stakeholders to ensure benefit programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with Bell's Total Rewards strategy. The Benefits Manager is responsible for ensuring that all benefit plans and programs are administered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as the requirements of governing agencies including the Department of Labor (DOL), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other regulatory authorities. This position oversees benefit plan administration, vendor management, employee communications, open enrollment, retirement plan governance, compliance activities, audits, and reporting while supporting Bell's Total Rewards strategy and delivering an exceptional employee experience.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesAdminister and oversee all employee benefit programs, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, EAP, FSA, HSA, COBRA, and leave programs.Manage administration of the Company 401(k) plan, including eligibility, contributions, compliance testing, audits, fiduciary committee support, and vendor management.Lead annual Open Enrollment planning, communications, system testing, employee education, and implementation activities.Serve as primary relationship manager for brokers, consultants, carriers, recordkeepers, and third-party administrators.Coordinate vendor performance reviews, contract renewals, RFPs, and market studies.Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS, DOL, and other applicable regulations.Manage Form 5500 filings, retirement and health plan audits, and required plan notices.Develop employee communications, enrollment guides, benefit summaries, newsletters, and presentations.Review and reconcile monthly benefit invoices and resolve discrepancies with vendors, payroll, and finance.Provide reporting and analysis on utilization, costs, enrollment trends, and plan performance.Manage Workday benefits configuration, testing, integrations, and process improvements.Support mergers, acquisitions, vendor transitions, and other benefit-related projects.Additional Functions and ResponsibilitiesAdditional duties as assignedKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Strong knowledge of employee benefits and retirement plan administration.Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Form 5500 filings, and related regulations.Excellent communication, presentation, project management, and analytical skills.Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Workday.Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail.Education and Background:Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.CEBS, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred.Minimum 5-8 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, retirement plans, vendor management, and total rewards.