Employee Benefits Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Employee Benefits Manager

Design, implement, manage, administer, and communicate the company’s benefits and compensation programs. This role contributes to ensuring that the benefits and compensation packages are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. Additionally, this role serves as a technical point-of-contact for assigned functional areas. The manager will also ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Own benefits system configuration and administration requirements 
• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, leave and disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and other prerequisites
• Evaluate and recommend new benefits programs that align with business objectives as well as enhance employee attraction, retention, and motivation
• Participate in annual benefit planning, vendor negotiations, and renewal processes
• Analyze benefits data to monitor program effectiveness, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations for improvements
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand the effectiveness of the benefits offerings
• Support management of the benefits budget, ensuring cost control and financial efficiency, and controlling invoice administration
• Support mergers and acquisitions by integrating total rewards programs
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding benefits
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices
• Stay updated on legislative changes affecting employee benefits, including the impact any changes may have on the company
• Team with external vendors and internal stakeholders to develop and update benefits policies and procedures
• Identify and implement technology enhancements that improve employee experience and administrative efficiency
• Ensure 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 regulations
• Lead benefits-related projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives 
• Coordinate annual compliance activities, filings, testing, and audits 
• Analyze utilization, claims, and enrollment data to identify trends and opportunities
• Maintain plan documents, summary plan descriptions, notices, and administrative procedures
• Partner with internal and external legal counsel on benefits-related compliance matters
• Serve as a main point-of-contact for employees and as a point of escalation for the businesses regarding benefits -related inquiries
• Support the development, implementation, and communication strategies to educate employees and HR Managers about the company’s total well-being offerings
• Lead annual open enrollment activities
• Manage change management and communication efforts associated with new programs and regulatory changes
• Conduct benefits orientation sessions and provide ongoing support
• Support relationships with benefits providers and vendors, including but not limited to negotiating and managing contracts, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service
• Manage the company’s employee-facing benefits administration website, including being the first level support for the divisions
• Partner with HRIS and payroll teams to ensure data integrity and successful integrations  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 3+ years of progressive compensation and benefits experience
• Strong knowledge of compensation and benefits laws and regulations
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• A plus for proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software
• A 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 members
• Strong problem solving/analytical skills with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Ability to work in a dynamic organization by balancing multiple priorities
• Knowledge of laws related to human resources and payroll, including ERISA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, Wage & Hour and EEO regulations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, with initiative and accuracy