Manager, Employee Benefits

The Manager, Employee Benefits is responsible for the design, administration, analysis, and continuous improvement of the company’s health and welfare benefits, wellness program, recognition programs, and retirement benefits across the U.S. workforce. This role partners closely with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders to ensure total rewards programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with the company’s business strategy, talent priorities, and employee value proposition.This position plays a key role in supporting a complex organization with 2,000+ salaried employees and $3B+ in annual revenue, helping ensure total rewards programs scale appropriately while supporting attraction, retention, engagement, and pay-for-performance outcomes.Key ResponsibilitiesTotal Rewards Strategy & Program ManagementSupport the development and execution of the company’s total rewards strategy, to include areas of responsibility - benefits, wellness, retirement, and recognition programs.Lead strategic discussions, develop financial models and insights and present perspectives to executive leadership on benefit changes and opportunities.Evaluate existing programs and recommend enhancements to ensure market competitiveness, internal equity, employee engagement, and alignment with business objectives.Help establish and maintain total rewards philosophies, frameworks, and governance processes.Partner with senior HR leadership to assess program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement based on workforce trends, market data, and internal analytics.Benefits & Well-BeingOversee day-to-day administration of health and welfare, retirement, leave, and wellness programs in partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors/brokers.Support annual benefits planning and open enrollment activities, including employee communications, systems coordination, and issue resolution.Review plan utilization, vendor performance, employee feedback, and market trends to recommend program improvements and manage costs.Work closely with brokers, consultants, and vendors to maintain competitive and compliant benefits offerings.Partner with payroll, HR operations, and finance to ensure accurate deductions, enrollments, and reporting.Compliance & GovernanceEnsure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to benefits, including but not limited to:FLSAERISAACAHIPAACOBRAIRS and DOL requirementsPay transparency and pay equity regulationsSupport preparation for audits, filings, and required plan documentation.Maintain and update policies, procedures, and controls related to total rewards programs.Analytics, Reporting & SystemsWork with systems team to develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and analyses related to compensation, benefits costs, participation, market positioning, turnover, and program effectiveness.Use HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration tools to ensure data integrity and support informed decision-making.Provide leadership with clear, actionable insights related to labor costs, rewards competitiveness, and employee trends.Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to compensation and benefits spend.Leadership & CollaborationServe as a key subject matter expert for HR leadership, managers, and employees on total rewards matters.Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external consultants/vendors.Lead a team of analysts, specialists, and coordinators.Work with company leadership on implementation of new plans and changes including preparation of announcement material, booklets and other media required for dissemination to associates.Lead or support projects related to total rewards transformation, vendor transitions, M&A integration, process improvement, and systems enhancements.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities requiredExperience with multiple and different benefit plans by employee type.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, drive projects, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.Must possess strong analytical, consulting and influencing skills with the ability to interface with all levels within an organization.Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.Adherence to the highest standards of safety and quality.Self-motivated, improvement-focused, and customer-oriented mindset.Demonstrable adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced work environment.Experience managing total rewards programs in a mid-sized to large U.S. organization, preferably with 2,000+ employees.Strong knowledge of benchmarking and benefits operations.Knowledge of applicable U.S. employment, compensation, and benefits regulations.Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems; advanced Excel proficiency.Basic Requirements Education: BA/BS in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related major or years of applicable service equivalents.Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or equivalent designation preferred.6 to 10+ years of experience working with health & welfare, 401(k), and defined contribution retirement programs is preferred.Minimal domestic travel required.JobFamilyGeneral LeadershipJobFunctionOperational LeadershipPayTypeSalaryEmploymentIndicatorSabbatical Eligible