Benefits Manager

Dedicated to innovative placemaking, Howard Hughes Communities is the real estate platform of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) and is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. Building on that foundation, we foster a culture of curiosity that empowers every employee to shape their own story within our organization. About the Role The Benefits Manager is a key member of the Culture + People team and is responsible for administering and supporting the company's employee benefits programs. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees and leaders, providing guidance across health and welfare plans, disability programs, retirement-related processes, leave administration, and year-round benefits education. The Benefits Manager plays a lead role in annual open enrollment, vendor coordination, compliance support, employee issue resolution, and benefits communications. What You Will Do Manage day-to-day benefits operations, including enrollments, eligibility, plan changes, vendor issue resolution, and employee support for medical, dental, vision, life and disability, supplemental benefits, retirement programs, leave programs, and wellness initiatives. Serve as a subject matter expert for employees, managers, and HR partners on benefit plans, policies, and processes. Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, including project management, testing, communications, presentations, and post-enrollment follow-up. Support administration of the 401(k) plan, including plan operations, audits, reconciliations, and coordination of Form 5500 filing activities. Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions, funding, reconciliations, invoice review, and reporting. Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, trustees, recordkeepers, TPAs, and other benefits vendors; monitor service levels and elevate issues as needed. Coordinate benefit compliance activities, which may include audits, required notices, plan documentation, ACA-related administration, participant disclosures, and responses to carrier or regulatory requests. Support leave and disability administration in partnership with internal stakeholders and external administrators. Review benefits processes and reporting to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improved efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience. Prepare regular reporting and analysis related to plan activity, participation, utilization, and vendor performance for leadership review. Assist with implementation of new programs, plan changes, and vendor transitions. Maintain confidential employee and plan information with a high degree of discretion and professionalism. Develop and deliver clear, effective employee communications and education materials throughout the year. Support additional Total Rewards projects and other duties as assigned based on business needs. About You Associate's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required; bachelor's degree preferred. Five to seven years of progressive benefits experience, including administration of health and welfare and retirement programs required. Experience in Total Rewards or Compensation is a plus. Strong working knowledge of employee benefits programs, leave administration, vendor management, and employee support practices. Experience supporting benefits vendors, employee inquiries, and operational processes with a strong customer-service mindset. Ability to build positive working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization. Strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective problem-solving skills and a proactive, resourceful, "can-do" attitude. Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Comfort with HR systems, reporting tools, and general computer applications; Workday experience preferred. CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related benefits / HR certification is a plus. Benefits Built for You At Howard Hughes Communities, we offer competitive, market-based compensation that rewards performance and supports career growth. Our comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees at every stage of their career is focused on holistic wellness—social, emotional, financial, and physical. Competitive 401(k) plan Generous PTO policy Premium medical, dental, and vision coverage Voluntary benefits for unexpected life events Student loan assistance and stipends to assist with lifelong learning About Howard Hughes Communities Howard Hughes Communities develops, owns, and operates the nation's premier large-scale master planned communities and mixed‑use developments. Our award‑winning portfolio includes The Woodlands, Bridgeland, and The Woodlands Hills in Greater Houston; Summerlin in Las Vegas; Teravalis in Greater Phoenix; Ward Village in Honolulu; and Merriweather District in Columbia, Maryland. Strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, we offer one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Learn more at communities.howardhughes.com. NOTICE TO THIRD‑PARTY AGENCIES Please note that Howard Hughes Communities does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Howard Hughes Communities will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Howard Hughes Communities explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Howard Hughes Communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr