Benefits Manager

Job Summary:

The Benefits Manager orchestrates the development, implementation, and strategic governance of the organization’s benefits portfolio. This individual serves as the primary architect for life, health, and disability insurance, retirement plans, leave management, and holistic wellness initiatives. The Manager ensures all programs are equitable, fiscally sustainable, and aligned with the overarching business strategy while providing direct leadership and professional development to the benefits team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Formulates evidence-based recommendations by synthesizing internal utilization data with external industry benchmarks and legislative shifts
• Functions as the lead authority on regulatory compliance, partnering with Legal to navigate ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and DOL requirements
• Oversees the execution of annual open enrollment, employee onboarding, and rigorous annual plan audits to ensure 100% accuracy and legal standing
• Establishes and documents sophisticated SOPs to streamline administrative workflows and educates the broader HR leadership team on benefits best practices
• Negotiates and governs relationships with external brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure optimal service delivery and cost-containment

Job Skills & Abilities

• Maintains an exhaustive knowledge of federal and state regulations, including but not limited to ERISA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, and COBRA
• Demonstrates high proficiency in HRIS and Payroll architecture (e.g., ADP Workforce Now) to ensure seamless data integration
• Possesses the ability to influence C-Suite stakeholders and negotiate complex contracts with external partners
• Leads large-scale system implementations and organizational change management projects with a focus on minimize disruption
• Exhibits superior numerical ability to conduct problem analysis and resolution at both a functional and strategic level
• Navigates sensitive employee matters and difficult conversations with confidentiality

Education and Experiences

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance or related field
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in benefits leadership, with at least 3 years specifically in a managerial capacity
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) strongly preferred