VP, Benefits Manager

Job OverviewThe Vice President of Employee Benefits holds a key role in directing and supervising the organization's multi-state employee benefit and leave programs, managing relationships with vendors, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This position requires in-depth knowledge of health and welfare benefit plans, qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, workers compensation and other employee benefits programs including FMLA and ADA.This position demands a strategic visionary equipped with outstanding communication skills and a deep comprehension of employee benefits regulations. The Vice President will engage in collaborative efforts with top-level executives and HR professionals, contributing to the development, implementation, and management of expansive employee benefits strategies and programs designed to protect employees against loss of income due to illness, injury, or retirement.The focus is on crafting programs that not only adhere to regulations but also serve as powerful tools to attract and retain high-caliber talent within the organization.Principal AccountabilitiesAccountable for adherence to the established Standard Operating Procedures, compliance standards, quality, and timeliness of benefits- related activities. Accurately audit data related to employee benefit plans to meet the specified deadlines. Supervise, coach, and advise benefits staff to ensure consistent products are delivered. Develop and manage the benefits budget.Represent the Bank to both internal and external customers in a courteous, professional manner in face-to-face, email and telephone communications. Actively protect confidentiality of Advisor personnel, payroll, and benefits records. Demonstrate Horizon Bank’s commitment to the communities we serve through active involvement in local organizations and events.DutiesDevelop and implement a comprehensive employee benefits strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and objectives. Advise, consult, and serve as a member of the management team in the development and execution of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based on broad corporate goals, acquisitions, strategic planning, and growth objectives.Oversee and manage all aspects of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability insurance, workers compensation and wellness programs.Manage administration of leave programs and ensure payroll adjustment documentation is provided to payroll timely.Stay up to date with changing regulations and industry’s best practices to ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing employee benefits.Collaborate with insurance brokers, carriers, and other vendors to negotiate terms, select appropriate plans, and manage vendor relationships.Provide guidance and support to HR professionals in the administration of employee benefits programs, including enrollment, claims resolution, and employee education.Conduct regular audits and analysis of employee benefits programs to identify areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities.Develop and deliver employee communications and training materials to educate employees about their benefits options and promote wellness initiatives.Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of employee benefits programs through the analysis of key metrics and feedback from employees.Lead and mentor a team of benefits specialists, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient and effective program administration.Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and manage the employee benefits budget.Organizing company-wide benefits needs assessments, analyzing results, and developing various employee benefits programs, such as retirement plans, stock options, life insurance, medical insurance, etc. Ensure that all our benefits programs comply with relevant state and federal regulationsReview financial statements to ensure that the company is meeting its obligations with different regulatory agenciesEvaluates and analyzes the results of the programs and services regularly and systematically; reports these results to the chief executive officer in addition to other management reporting such as benefit loss and claims control, sales, budgets, division P&L, special projects, etc.Work with HR Management to ensure that the HRIS system meets benefits needs and is updated as necessary to reflect changes to benefit programs.Ensure assigned departmental invoices are processed timely and that the budget file is kept up to dateResponsible for the benefits of integration for mergers and acquisitionsRespond to and assist with internal/external audit requestsComplete special projects assigned, including ad-hoc analysis and outline of specific observations and recommendationsContinuously seek opportunities for improving processes. Develop, document and update procedures and SOPs to stay abreast of software, program, or regulatory changesOther duties as assignedPersonnel ManagementLead, coach, and manage the Benefits SpecialistEnsure development plans and performance goals are in place and actively monitored and managed for all direct reports Monitor behavior and results to effectively coach and motivate team members to achieve service and quality goals.Prepare and conduct scheduled performance evaluations. Address and document performance issues and execute corrective action.Manage time off requests and approve weekly timecards. Allocate resources necessary to support the team.Qualifications & SkillsBachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration, or a related fieldMaster’s Degree preferredMinimum of 10 years’ experience in managing employee benefits programs, with at least 5 years in a leadership roleSHRM-CP, CBP, CEBS or equivalent certificationIn-depth knowledge of health and welfare benefit plans, retirement plans, and other employee benefits programs including FMLA and ADA. Strong knowledge of employee benefits regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ACA.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex benefits issues and develop creative solutions.Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively present complex information to a variety of audiences.Proven track record of successfully managing and implementing employee benefits programs in a large organization.Strong leadership and team management abilities to motivate and develop a high-performing team.Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including insurance brokers, carriers, and vendors.Proficient in using benefits administration software and other HRIS systems to manage employee benefits programs. ADP WorkForce Now experience desiredStrong attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure accurate and timely administration of benefits programs.Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Strong understanding of financial and budgeting principles related to employee benefits.Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.Proficiency in Microsoft Office productsCore CompetenciesComfort Around Higher ManagementNegotiating Functional/Technical SkillsPriority Setting Managerial CourageProcess Management Physical RequirementsReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Physical Demand:Percentage of Time:Communicate with advisors and managers regarding payroll transactions and issues. Able to exchange accurate information with others.75% - 100%Able to verify authenticity of financial instruments, forms, documents, and signatures. Able to verify identity of employees, vendors, and service providers. Able to observe actions of others to ensure safety and security of the facility and other areas in which work is performed.75% - 100%Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery such as calculator, copy machine, printer, and telephone75% - 100%Regularly move about the branch to access areas such as office space, common areas, and printer/copier50% - 100%Able to grasp, move and sort forms and papers.75% - 100%Able to remain in stationary position50% - 100%Occasionally position self to reach heights between floor and 6’<25%Occasionally travel to Horizon locations to meet with advisors or managers<10%