Benefits Manager

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with an organization in Johnson County, KS. We are seeking a Benefits Manager to lead the design, administration, and optimization of comprehensive U.S. benefits programs serving a large, multi-site employee population. This role is critical, and requires a hands‑on leader who can build trust, quickly establish credibility, and deliver immediate impact . This is a working manager role , ideal for someone who is both strategic and highly operational—comfortable getting into the details while leading a team and driving key initiatives forward. Key Responsibilities Benefits Administration & Strategy Oversee all health & welfare, retirement, and leave programs for a large U.S. employee population (4,000+ employees, plus retirees) Ensure seamless execution of benefits administration , enrollment, and ongoing support Lead the annual open enrollment process , including planning, vendor coordination, and execution Analyze plan performance, utilization, and cost trends; recommend enhancements to leadership Support and partner on total rewards strategy initiatives Manage administration of 401(k), pension, and non‑qualified deferred compensation plans Support governance, compliance, and documentation for retirement plans Serve as a key resource for complex retiree benefit programs and inquiries Lead relationships with brokers, vendors, and third‑party administrators Drive upcoming RFP processes and vendor transitions (including consolidation to a single provider) Negotiate contracts and monitor vendor performance to ensure service levels and cost effectiveness Union & Compliance Oversight Support union negotiations related to benefits programs and ensure alignment with collective bargaining agreements Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA , and related filings (e.g., 5500, 1095) Manage audits, nondiscrimination testing, and regulatory reporting Systems & Reporting Partner with HRIS and payroll teams to ensure accurate benefits data and integrations Utilize systems such as Workday, UKG , and benefits administration platforms to manage processes and reporting Develop and present benefits analytics and reporting to senior leadership Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4 (benefits and HRIS professionals) Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, leadership, and cross‑functional partners What Makes This Role Unique High‑impact backfill: Opportunity to rebuild trust and elevate the benefits function Hands‑on leadership: True working manager role—not purely strategic Transformation work: Vendor consolidation, RFPs, and process improvements underway Cross‑functional visibility: Frequent interaction with senior leadership and finance Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in benefits administration (health & welfare and retirement plans) Proven experience managing vendors, brokers, and benefit programs end‑to‑end Hands‑on experience with: Regulatory compliance and filings (5500, 1095, etc.) Benefits audits and reporting Experience supporting union environments / collective bargaining agreements Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and in the weeds Preferred Qualifications Experience with pension plan administration Prior leadership experience managing and developing a team Experience with system environments (Workday strongly preferred) Background in multi‑site or manufacturing environments Success Profile Strong culture fit and relationship builder with the ability to rebuild trust quickly Highly hands‑on, detail‑oriented leader who is comfortable diving deep into issues Proven ability to hit the ground running in a complex environment Skilled communicator who can translate complex benefits topics for diverse audiences Collaborative partner with a bias for action and accountability #J-18808-Ljbffr