Manager of Benefits

DescriptionPlease reach out to Melissa (Painter) Ford via LinkedIn for immediate consideration. My client is looking for an experienced Manager of Benefits to lead benefit strategy, administration, and team oversight. This role combines people leadership and program planning to ensure benefit offerings remain compliant, competitive, and responsive to organizational needs. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of employee benefits, sound judgment in evaluating programs and partners, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.Responsibilities:• Lead the daily operations of the benefits function, including supervising staff, setting expectations, providing coaching, and supporting ongoing development.• Represent benefit programs in meetings and formal presentations for leadership groups.• Shape and refine policies, procedures, and administrative practices to support effective benefit delivery and alignment with applicable regulations.• Review benefit vendors and service partners, assess performance and value, and recommend solutions that best serve program participants.• Work closely with brokers, consultants, and insurance carriers to maintain practical, cost-conscious benefit plans and coverage options.• Analyze plan performance and financial considerations to develop pricing recommendations for self-funded benefit offerings.• Monitor market developments and organizational priorities to propose enhancements or changes to existing benefit programs.• Coordinate materials and supporting documentation for committee meetings, including agenda preparation and related follow-up details.• Maintain strong relationships with member agencies through regular communication, education, outreach, and support on benefit-related matters.• Oversee group implementation activities such as needs assessment, enrollment coordination, consultation, and benefits data management, while traveling as needed for meetings, conferences, training, and member events.Requirements• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered where applicable.• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the employee benefits field, including program development and administration within risk management or related services; or ten years of directly related industry experience.• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing staff.• Demonstrated knowledge of benefits analysis, benefits coordination, compensation and benefits practices, and benefit program administration.• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations affecting employee benefits and related policies.• Strong presentation, relationship management, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with members, vendors, consultants, and internal teams.Job typePerm