Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager is responsible for leading the administration, strategy and day-to-day operation of the firm's employee benefits and leave management programs. This role is ideal for a seasoned HR professional with deep expertise in benefits administration and regulatory compliance. The Benefits Manager will oversee benefits renewals, vendor relationships, reporting, employee communications, and team operations to ensure the effective delivery of benefits programs and services. Working closely with HR leadership, the Benefits Manager evaluates program effectiveness, develops recommendations for program improvements, and manages relationships with benefit vendors and service providers. This role serves as the primary resource for benefits administration and operations while ensuring benefits programs remain compliant, competitive, and responsive to employee needs. The Benefits Manager directly supervises the Senior Benefits Analyst and Benefits Coordinator and is responsible for establishing team priorities, supporting employee service delivery, and ensuring the consistent administration of benefits programs. Job Functions & Responsibilities Benefits & Leave Administration Oversee the administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement, leave, wellness, and other benefit offerings. Actively participate in benefit plan design decisions including plan structures, coverage tiers, employer/employee contributions, eligibility rules, and program enhancements. Evaluate employee utilization, feedback, and market benchmarks to recommend improvements to benefit offerings. Document and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure SOPs are updated on a regular basis. Own the employee leave experience and internal oversight of the end-to-end lifecycle of all employee leaves including PDL, FMLA, CFRA, SDI/PFL-related leaves. Partner with the HRIS and Payroll team with the transfer of data to support services, premiums and plan administration. Support the administration, governance, and compliance of companies retirement programs, including oversight of the 401(k) plan, partnership with Principal and external advisors, chairing retirement committee activities, and ensuring adherence to fiduciary and regulatory requirements. Coordinate closely with Payroll to ensure accurate pay and deductions, and alignment with leave status and vendor data, as applicable. Ensure benefits programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with firm policies. Support employee understanding of benefit programs through communication and education efforts. Lead the annual benefits renewal process and develops recommendations regarding plan design, vendor selection, and renewal strategies for review with HR leadership. Manage relationships with brokers, consultants, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit service providers. Lead vendor performance reviews and monitors service levels, plan effectiveness, and overall vendor performance. Evaluate market offerings and emerging solutions, making recommendations regarding vendors, plan enhancements, and program improvements. Negotiate and manages vendor contracts, service agreements, and renewal discussions as appropriate. Resolve vendor issues and escape to Associate, Director of Human Resources for complex cases. Prepare benefits budgets, forecasts, utilization reports, and financial analyses for review with HR leadership. Monitor benefit plan costs, participation trends, and utilization patterns. Review billing, reconciliations, and financial reporting activities. Develop recommendations related to program effectiveness, cost management, and service improvements. Utilize benefits data and reporting to support operational and business decisions. Compliance & Operational Effectiveness Lead year-end Affordable Care Act (ACA) administration, including 1095-C preparation, filings, and required employee/state communications. Monitor benefits compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA), and manage required filings and audits. Oversee Summary of Benefits Disclosure (SBD) compliance, ensuring benefit materials accurately reflect current plan designs and are updated and available to participants in a timely manner. Support benefits governance activities, including ERISA calendar items, required filings and notices, and nondiscrimination testing. Maintain oversight of benefits policies, procedures, and operational controls. Identify compliance or operational risks and develops recommendations to address them. Support process improvement efforts that enhance efficiency, consistency, and service quality. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership Directly supervises the Senior Benefits Analyst and Benefits Coordinator. Establish team priorities, workload distribution, service expectations, and operational goals. Provide coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development. Develop cross-training and continuity plans to support effective team operations. Partner with HR Business Partners, Recruiting, HR Operations, Payroll, Finance, and other departments to support benefits-related initiatives. Support departmental projects and other duties as assigned. Tools Workday – HRIS Microsoft Office – Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook Minimum Job Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Professional certification such as CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar certification preferred. 8+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration, benefits management, total rewards, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience leading and administering complex employee benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, leave programs, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. Experience managing vendors, brokers, consultants, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. Strong knowledge of applicable benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA/CFRA, ADA, and related compliance requirements. Demonstrated experience evaluating program effectiveness, analyzing utilization data, and developing recommendations to improve benefits programs and employee experience. Experience preparing budgets, financial analyses, forecasts, and business cases related to benefits programs. Proven leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, performance management, and development of team members. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed recommendations. Excellent communication, presentation, vendor management, and relationship-building skills. Advanced proficiency with Workday, Microsoft Excel, and other business applications used for benefits administration and reporting. Law firm or professional services experience preferred. Communicates effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Being resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations. Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions. Drives results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances. Situational adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Organizational savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics. Manages complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Action oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. #J-18808-Ljbffr Delve Search & Recruiting