Benefits Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Benefit Manager to oversee the design, administration, and management of employee benefit programs. The Benefit Manager will be responsible for ensuring that benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant with applicable regulations, and aligned with employee and organizational needs.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of employee benefits, excellent analytical and communication skills, and experience working with benefits providers, employees, payroll, HR, and senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the organization's employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, wellness, and other voluntary benefits.
2. Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate benefits programs based on business requirements and employee needs.
3. Manage relationships and contracts with insurance carriers, brokers, benefits consultants, and other external vendors.
4. Lead the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process.
5. Review benefit plan costs, utilization, trends, and employee participation to identify opportunities for improvement.
6. Ensure accurate and timely enrollment, changes, and termination of employee benefits.
7. Partner with Payroll and HR teams to ensure accurate benefits deductions and payroll processing.
8. Monitor benefits eligibility and ensure employees receive the benefits for which they qualify.
9. Develop and maintain benefits policies, procedures, documentation, and employee communications.
10. Respond to employee questions regarding benefit plans, eligibility, enrollment, claims, coverage, and deductions.
11. Work with benefit providers to resolve employee claims and service-related issues.
12. Conduct regular audits of benefits data to identify and correct discrepancies.
13. Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local benefits regulations and reporting requirements.
14. Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation while protecting confidential employee information.
15. Prepare reports and analysis related to benefits costs, participation, utilization, and financial impact.
16. Evaluate market trends and benchmark the organization's benefits against industry standards.
17. Support the development of total rewards strategies and employee wellness initiatives.
18. Assist with benefits-related budgeting and forecasting.
19. Provide guidance and recommendations to HR leadership and senior management regarding benefits strategy.
20. Coordinate employee communications, training sessions, presentations, and informational materials related to benefits.
21. Support HR systems and benefits administration platforms to ensure accurate employee data and integrations.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
2. 4+ years of experience in employee benefits administration or a related HR function.
3. Strong understanding of employee benefits programs and administration.
4. Experience managing benefits vendors, brokers, and insurance providers.
5. Knowledge of benefits compliance and applicable employment regulations.
6. Experience with benefits administration and HRIS platforms.
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
9. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
10. Ability to handle confidential employee and company information.
11. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
2. Experience managing benefits programs for a mid-sized or large organization.
3. Experience with benefits technology and automated enrollment platforms.
4. Experience with benefits benchmarking, vendor negotiations, and cost optimization.
5. Knowledge of employee wellness and total rewards programs.
6. Strong experience with Microsoft Excel and benefits reporting/analytics.

Key Skills

1. Employee Benefits Administration
2. Benefits Strategy
3. Health & Welfare Benefits
4. Retirement Plans
5. Benefits Compliance
6. Vendor Management
7. Insurance Administration
8. Open Enrollment
9. HRIS
10. Payroll Coordination
11. Benefits Reporting
12. Data Analysis
13. Cost Management
14. Employee Relations
15. Communication
16. Negotiation
17. Problem Solving
18. Project Management
19. Attention to Detail

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Benefits enrollment accuracy
2. Employee benefits satisfaction
3. Benefits administration turnaround time
4. Vendor service performance
5. Benefits cost management
6. Open enrollment completion rate
7. Compliance and audit accuracy
8. Benefits issue resolution time
9. Employee participation and utilization
10. Accuracy of payroll benefits deductions

Work Environment

This role typically works in a professional office or corporate environment and collaborates closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Legal, employees, senior leadership, and external benefits providers. The position may require occasional travel for vendor meetings, employee events, or benefits conferences.

Salary & Benefits

The compensation package will be competitive and based on experience, qualifications, location, and organizational pay structure. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and other employee benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.