AD Manager, Employee Benefits

Company OverviewAMSTED Industries is a diversified global manufacturer of industrial components serving primarily the railroad, vehicular and construction and building markets. Combining leading-edge manufacturing processes with a history of continuous innovation, we’re proud to be leaders in each of the market segments we serve.Operating under the Amsted Industries umbrella since 1962, today we’re meeting the growing needs of a global market with 75 facilities in 13 countries across 6 continents. Amsted is employee owned, which allows our employees to share in the success of the company and provides employees with significant retirement savings.Role OverviewAmsted Industries is seeking a Manager, Employee Benefits to join our Total Rewards team in Chicago. In this role, you will lead the administration, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of our employee benefits programs, helping ensure our offerings remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with business objectives. You will partner closely with HR, Finance, vendors, and business leaders to manage benefit programs, support strategic initiatives, enhance the employee experience, and navigate an evolving regulatory environment. This role serves as a key subject matter expert for benefits and compliance and is ideal for a professional who enjoys balancing strategy, analytics, and hands-on program management.ResponsibilitiesBenefits Strategy and Administration:Lead benefits system configuration and administration requirementsManage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, leave and disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and other perquisitesEvaluate and recommend new benefits programs that align with business objectives as well as enhance employee attraction, retention, and motivationParticipate in annual benefit planning, vendor negotiations, and renewal processesAnalyze benefits data to monitor program effectiveness, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations for improvementsCollaborate with key stakeholders to understand the effectiveness of Amsted’s benefits offeringsManage benefit program expenses and vendor invoicing while supporting budget planning, cost control, and financial stewardshipSupport mergers, acquisitions, and business integrations by aligning and implementing employee benefit programsEnsure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding benefitsStay current on industry trends and best practicesMonitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess their impact on benefit programs and organizational compliancePolicy Development and Compliance:Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to develop, maintain, and enhance benefits policies and proceduresLead technology and process improvement initiatives that enhance the employee experience and increase operational efficiencyEnsure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, FMLA, Section 125 cafeteria plan requirements, state and local leave regulationsManage benefits-related projects, system implementations, and continuous improvement initiatives from planning through executionCoordinate annual compliance activities, filings, testing, and auditsAnalyze claims, utilization, and enrollment data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and uncover opportunities for program optimizationMaintain plan documents, summary plan descriptions, notices, and administrative proceduresPartner with internal and external legal counsel on benefits-related compliance mattersEmployee Communication and Support:Serve as the primary subject matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits questions from employees, HR teams, and business leadersSupport the development, implementation, and communication strategies to educate employees and HR Managers about Amsted’s total well-being offeringsLead annual open enrollment activitiesLead change management and communication efforts related to new programs, system enhancements, and regulatory updatesConduct benefits orientation sessions and provide ongoing supportVendor Management:Support relationships with benefits providers and vendors, including but not limited to negotiating and managing contracts, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality serviceManage Amsted’s employee-facing benefits administration website, including being the first level support for Amsted’s subsidiariesPartner with HRIS and payroll teams to ensure data integrity and successful integrationsQualifications:Bachelor’s degree is required3+ years of progressive compensation and benefits experienceStrong knowledge of compensation and benefits laws and regulationsExcellent analytical, organizational, and communication skillsA plus for proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration softwareA plus for certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or CCP (Certified Compensation Professional)Exceptional ability to collaborate, provide technical support, and train team membersStrong problem solving/analytical skills with attention to detail and a high level of accuracyAbility to work in a dynamic organization by balancing multiple prioritiesKnowledge of laws related to human resources and payroll, including ERISA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, Wage & Hour and EEO regulationsAbility to maintain confidentiality of informationAbility to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, with initiative and accuracyCompensation & Benefits:Excellent base salary and targeted annual bonus structureComprehensive employee benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life and disability protection.Participation (100% company paid) in Amsted Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOPCompany 401k program matchWellness reimbursementAmsted is a privately held, 100% employee-owned company! Our commitment to employee’s professional satisfaction includes creating space and opportunities to be creative and an integral part of our innovation journey and business success.We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all areas, including but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, selection, training, education, compensation, benefits, promotion, job transfer, upgrading, separation and recall regardless of the individual’s race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, and/or other protected categories under all Federal, State, and local laws. For more information, please view our Integrity and Inclusion pages of our career site.The full range for this position, across all geographies is $100,000 - 140,000 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrated strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by location, qualification, and prior experience. Job SummaryRequisition Number: ADMAN009810Job Category: HRSchedule: Full-Time