Benefits Manager

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Benefits Manager to lead the administration, strategy, and ongoing optimization of our employee benefits and wellness programs. This individual will oversee a team of two and serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related matters, partnering closely with internal stakeholders, external benefits brokers, and vendors to deliver a competitive, cost-effective, and employee-focused benefits experience. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in Workday, deep knowledge of benefits administration and compliance, established broker relationships, and a passion for employee wellness and engagement. This role requires a balance of strategic program ownership, team leadership, vendor management, and day-to-day operational execution within a professional services environment. Key Responsibilities Benefits Strategy & Program Management Lead the design, implementation, administration, and ongoing evaluation of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and other employee offerings. Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy aligned with organizational goals, workforce needs, employee retention, and market competitiveness. Evaluate plan performance, utilization, employee feedback, and cost trends to identify opportunities for program improvement. Lead annual benefits renewals, open enrollment, plan design reviews, and employee communications. Partner with Finance and HR leadership on benefits budgeting, cost projections, vendor negotiations, and strategies to manage benefits expenditures while maintaining a competitive employee offering. Employee Wellness & Engagement Develop and lead employee wellness initiatives that promote physical, mental, and financial well-being. Evaluate and introduce wellness programs, resources, and vendor partnerships that support employee engagement, retention, and overall employee experience. Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to expand wellness offerings and drive employee participation. Analyze program participation, employee feedback, and available utilization data to measure effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Develop clear, engaging employee communications that increase awareness and understanding of available benefits and wellness resources. Serve as the primary relationship owner for external benefits brokers, insurance carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators. Build strong, collaborative broker relationships to leverage market expertise, identify innovative plan options, benchmark offerings, and negotiate competitive renewals. Lead regular broker and vendor meetings to review plan performance, service delivery, costs, employee concerns, and opportunities for improvement. Hold vendors accountable for service levels, issue resolution, compliance requirements, and overall program effectiveness. Evaluate vendor performance and make recommendations regarding new partnerships, plan changes, and technology enhancements. Workday Benefits Administration & HRIS Own and optimize benefits administration within Workday, ensuring accurate plan configuration, eligibility rules, enrollment processes, employee data, and reporting. Partner with HRIS, Payroll, and other internal teams to ensure seamless integrations, accurate deductions, timely data updates, and effective benefits-related workflows. Identify opportunities to improve Workday functionality, automate manual processes, strengthen reporting, and enhance the employee benefits experience. Troubleshoot complex benefits administration issues and lead the resolution of system, enrollment, eligibility, and data discrepancies. Develop and maintain benefits reporting and analytics to support decision-making, compliance, budgeting, and program evaluation. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure benefits programs and processes comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other relevant requirements. Oversee required filings, notices, audits, plan documentation, and compliance-related communications in partnership with brokers, legal counsel, and external administrators. Maintain accurate benefits records and establish consistent processes and internal controls. Monitor regulatory changes and proactively recommend updates to policies, procedures, and benefits administration practices. Serve as an escalation point for complex employee benefits questions, claims issues, eligibility concerns, and sensitive benefits matters. Lead, coach, and develop a team of two benefits professionals, establishing clear priorities, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Oversee daily benefits operations, ensuring accuracy, responsiveness, service quality, and consistent execution. Build scalable processes and standard operating procedures that improve efficiency and establish clear accountability across the team. Foster a service-oriented culture focused on employee support, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Provide guidance on complex cases and support the team's ongoing professional development. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits, benefits administration, or total rewards, including experience managing complex benefits programs. Demonstrated experience leading, supervising, or developing a team. Required: Hands-on experience with Workday Benefits, including benefits administration, configuration, reporting, and process optimization. Strong experience managing external benefits brokers, insurance carriers, consultants, and third-party vendors. Demonstrated success developing or enhancing employee wellness programs and driving employee engagement. Experience leading annual renewals, open enrollment, plan evaluations, vendor negotiations, and benefits cost management. Strong knowledge of benefits compliance, applicable employment regulations, and benefits administration best practices. Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills. Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, service-oriented organization. Strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting a professional services, consulting, financial services, or other corporate employee population. Experience managing benefits programs across multiple states or locations. Familiarity with Workday integrations involving Payroll, HRIS, and other employee systems. Relevant benefits certifications, such as CEBS, or other professional development in benefits and total rewards. Success in This Role The successful Benefits Manager will establish a well-managed, employee-centered benefits function that delivers competitive programs, strong wellness offerings, effective broker partnerships, accurate Workday administration, and measurable improvements in cost management and employee experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Conexus