Benefits Manager

Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually Application Deadline: Aug 14, 2026 Essential Functions: The Benefits Manager position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefit programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 403(b) plan and 457 plan and all other retirement and total rewards plans. Provide excellent customer service (client and customer-centric). Investigate new benefit programs, improve existing programs, supervise and monitor benefit administration. Design employee benefit plans. Provide analytical and technical support in the proactive delivery of the benefit and employee leave programs and services. Understand new total rewards market trends and partner/lead relationship with third-party benefits vendor/administrator. Research and Develop Research employee benefit plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value. Design, recommend and implement benefit programs. Management of the benefit plan renewal process. Negotiate with vendor or administrator for renewal. Collect experience data from available resources. Benefits Administration: Design, Direct, Comply Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Determine the best plan options by working with the third-party administrators. Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration. Work effectively to make sure the plans run smoothly. Investigate discrepancies and provide information in non-routine situations. Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes. Ensure proper distribution of assignments and responsibilities. Plan, schedule, and direct work. Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Assure timeliness and accuracy of required filings. Develop long-range objectives regarding benefit programs in conjunction with the benefits team. Organize implementation of global projects: including total compensation, mergers and acquisitions, and HIPAA, as they relate to group benefit issues. Benefits Administration: Processing, Functional Coordinate daily benefit processing Enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, distributions, hardships, compliance testing. Oversee maintenance of employee benefit files and updating of employee payroll records. Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings. Implement and maintain Group Benefits databases. Prepare regular benefit reports extracting data from the database. Provide technical support, test system functionality and work with end users to provide system support and troubleshoot system problems. Evaluate, Measure, Audit Analyze the current benefits, evaluating the usage, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs and identify the company’s stance. Perform plan audits outside of third-party audits. Prepare, collect, and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation. Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/ projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefit programs and implementation of new programs. Survey industry trends. Complete benefit surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefit information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefit designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management. Monitor administrative costs of benefit programs and recommend cost containment strategies including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds. Customer Service, Communication, Training Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop proactive communication tools to enhance understanding of the company’s benefits package. Design and distribute materials for benefit orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Create and conduct presentations using audiovisual tools including power point and videos. Provide training and support to employees. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of company policies and procedures is preferred. Bachelor's degree and three to seven years related benefits or employee benefit administration experience required. PHR and CEBS professional designations preferred. Excellent communication and organization skills are required. Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people at all levels. Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public. Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English. Must be able to work occasionally long or extended hours, including weekends. Must be able to function in a hectic environment with occasional periods of high stress. Project and team management/leadership skills and experience. Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates. Capability of effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines. Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs. Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgments on proposals. Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Netchex are required. Knowledge of benefit contract language. Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements both adopted and pending affecting employee benefit programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, SECTION 125, Medicare, and Social Security and DOL requirements. Responsibility and Decision-Making Authority: Determine proper course of action to resolve escalated customer service issues. Interpret plan procedures and policies. Recommend and advise on benefit enhancements and changes. Refer more strategic issues to the manager. Position requires limited supervision and direction. Working Relationships: Coordinate benefit setup, deduction and compliance reporting issues with Human Resources and Payroll staff. Work as a team with Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, Brokers on benefits issues. Outside contacts could include physicians, insurance companies, network providers, drug companies, attorneys, third party administrators, other benefits vendors and outside consultants. Guidance Received: Direction and guidance will be provided by the Director and VP of Human Resources. The Director of Human Resources determines the expectations, goals, and projects assigned. Government regulations, company goals, contract directives and internal policies provide parameters to the benefits administrator position. Skills and Abilities: Must be able to interact cordially and productively with a variety of people. Must be able to market Goodwill and explain the mission to the general public. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with, and among, all personnel. Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English. Must be able to work occasionally long or extended hours, including weekends. Must be able to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress. Must maintain the confidentiality of all information housed in the department. Must provide own transportation. Requirements: B.S. /B.A. in Management or related field preferred. Must have three years Human Resources experience in several areas of responsibility. Must be P.C. literate, (Word & Excel), prior experience with a HRIS required #J-18808-Ljbffr LSU Health Sciences Center