Benefits Manager

Overview The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic administration and day-to-day management of Universal Pure’s employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, EAP, and leave of absence (LOA) programs. This role ensures full compliance with federal and state regulations and serves as the company’s internal expert and primary point of contact for benefits, FMLA, and LOA. The Benefits Manager is also accountable for developing and managing the benefits platform in UKG, training HR staff on HIPAA and other regulatory requirements, and leading benefit education efforts for employees across all locations. Responsibilities Benefits Program Administration Manage the daily operations of group benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP). Oversee annual open enrollment, including planning, communication, vendor coordination, and system setup. Process benefit changes due to qualifying life events, ensuring accurate HRIS updates and vendor file feeds. Ensure proper onboarding of new hires into benefit programs and provide support during benefit elections. Compliance & Reporting Ensure compliance with all applicable benefit regulations including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and ADA. Monitor legal and regulatory changes across all states and update policies, procedures, and practices accordingly. Administer ACA filings (Forms 1094-C and 1095-C) in partnership with BASIC. Oversee COBRA administration and ensure timely notifications to qualified beneficiaries. Complete required filings including Form 5500 and nondiscrimination testing; respond to audit requests and regulatory reviews. Maintain a compliance calendar to track benefit reporting requirements and legal deadlines. FMLA & Leave of Absence Oversight Serve as the company’s go-to subject matter expert for all LOA and FMLA processes. Administer and monitor FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and other leave programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Partner with employees, managers, and HR Business Partners to provide compassionate and consistent leave guidance. Identify potential compliance risks in leave management and take corrective action to ensure audit readiness. Employee Communication & HR Training Lead benefit education efforts and ensure clear communication to employees through handouts, FAQs, and training sessions. Deliver new hire benefits orientation and ongoing education throughout the year across all shifts and locations. Provide ongoing training to HR Business Partners on FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other benefit-related laws and best practices. Act as liaison to benefit providers and brokers, resolving issues and ensuring high-quality service. Monitor vendor performance and ensure timely processing of benefit invoices, purchase orders, and reconciliations. Assist in renewals, RFPs, and plan redesign initiatives to ensure cost-effective, competitive offerings. Serve as an administrator for the 401(k) plan, ensuring timely enrollment, compliance with ERISA, and required notices (e.g., SARs, SPDs, annual fee disclosures). Coordinate with plan providers to support audits, nondiscrimination testing, and employee inquiries. HRIS & System Oversight Develop and manage the benefits platform in UKG, including configuration, workflows, data feeds, testing, and reporting. Ensure integrity of all benefit-related data in the HRIS; conduct regular audits to maintain accuracy. Troubleshoot file errors and work with vendors and IT as needed to resolve discrepancies. Metrics, Reporting & Projects Monitor and report on key metrics (e.g., enrollment, utilization, cost trends, compliance). Lead benefits-related projects and support broader HR initiatives as assigned. Travel Requirements Travel required during open enrollment to support on-site employee education and benefit events. Occasional travel to support HRBP training or compliance reviews at site level. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP) strongly preferred. Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in benefits, FMLA/LOA, and retirement administration in a multi-site environment. Advanced Excel skills required, including proficiency with pivot tables, VLOOKUP, conditional formatting, and complex formulas for data analysis and reporting. Demonstrated expertise in FMLA and LOA with ability to guide employees and HRBPs through complex cases. In-depth knowledge of federal and state benefits laws including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, ACA, and applicable state-specific leave laws. UKG experience required, including ability to build, configure, and manage benefits platform workflows. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); strong reporting and data analysis skills. Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to explain benefits information clearly and effectively. High level of confidentiality, professionalism, and ability to build trust with internal stakeholders. Preferred: bilingual in English and Spanish (read, write, and translate). Working Conditions • Universal Pure facilities may process, pack and or store products containing allergenic food ingredients as referenced by FDA, occasional exposure may occur, inform your direct manager of any food allergies. • Office environment Details Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Human Resources Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Manufacturing, and Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice #J-18808-Ljbffr