Benefits Manager

Manages the evaluation, planning, and day‑to‑day administration of a broad portfolio of health and welfare plans, encompassing numerous complex plan design variations for collectively bargained benefits. Oversees plan set‑up, payment remittance, and deduction reporting in accordance with union contracts and business development agreements. Serves as the primary liaison with the third‑party administrator, including monitoring service delivery and performance. Supports oversight of third‑party vendors to ensure plans are administered efficiently and remain compliant with applicable state and federal requirements. Ensures compliance with ERISA and with regulatory agencies, including the DOL, IRS, National Labor Relations Board, and others. Coordinates with internal and external auditors and is responsible for Form 5500 filings and other required disclosures. Major Responsibilities Provides day‑to‑day supervision and direction to the team, including workload management and performance standards. Develops staff to take on new challenges and implement more efficient processes. Provides coaching, feedback, and supports continuous improvement and change initiatives. Benefits Administration & Operational Oversight Oversees benefits administration and issue escalation/resolution. Identifies, analyzes, and addresses trends and operational impacts to prevent recurrence. Coordinates planning, implementation, and ongoing administration of health and welfare programs. Vendor, Union & Stakeholder Management Partners with union representatives, third‑party vendors, and internal business partners to resolve issues and improve outcomes. Collaborates with vendors, consultants, actuaries, and internal teams (payroll, compensation, retirement, HR, labor relations). Participates in Benefits Governance Committee meetings as a non‑voting member. Provides oversight and guidance for the annual health and welfare enrollment process. Coordinates with external administrators and internal stakeholders to meet business needs. Contributes to the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and objectives. Leads projects and programs supporting short‑ and long‑term company goals. Compliance & Regulatory Management Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, and ACA. Interprets and administers benefit provisions of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Maintains adherence to corporate and departmental policies and procedures. Employee Advocacy & Issue Resolution Responds to and resolves employee inquiries and concerns. Manages the employee benefits appeals process in conjunction with the Sr. Director. Reporting, Audits & Financial Oversight Facilitates preparation and submission of reports and governmental filings (e.g., Form 5500). Manages external, internal, and union audits, including non‑discrimination testing. Supports benefits budget preparation and oversight. Reviews vendor invoices for accuracy and ensures timely payment. Additional Responsibilities Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education & Certifications Required Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent work experience Minimum Experience & Skills Required 5 or more years of experience in employee benefits management and administration with solid understanding of compliance requirements of various government agencies, and federal and state laws. 3 or more years of supervisory or management experience with proven ability to lead and manage a team of in‑person and remote team members. Prior experience with a highly unionized workforce preferred, including the ability to interpret health and welfare provisions outlined in Collective Bargaining Agreements. Demonstrated experience in identifying and implementing significant process and system changes, including system updates and experience maintaining administration applications and interfacing with Human Resource Information and Payroll Systems. Proven ability to drive performance and implement processes to ensure efficiency. Strong analytical and project management skills, attention to detail with an emphasis on quality control of data. Proven ability to clearly and effectively communicate in person and in writing to all levels of organization and external customers. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Incumbent must be able to move about the office and between floors; utilize standard office equipment; access filing system/cabinets; and communicate effectively and efficiently in person or by telephone. Candidates located in the Cincinnati area must be able to work in person at the downtown Cincinnati office two days per week and every other Friday. Disclaimer Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug‑free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request #J-18808-Ljbffr First Student