Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic design, administration and continuous improvement of the organization's benefit programs. This role ensures these programs are competitive, compliant, employee-centered and aligned with organizational goals that enhance attraction, retention, engagement and overall workforce well-being. The position oversees the full lifecycle of benefits administration, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave and vendor management. This role partners closely with HR leadership, payroll, legal, finance, management and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of benefits and leave processes across the organization. The Benefits Manager also plays a key role in process optimization, system implementation and integration efforts, data analysis, and guides the development of communication and education strategies to improve understanding and utilization of benefits resources.

Minimum Education
* Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business, Information Systems or related area of study. (Required)
* Master's Degree (Preferred)

Minimum Work Experience
5 years of progressive benefits experience and at least 3 years of which includes leading teams. (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
* Strong knowledge of multi state leave laws and a demonstrated understanding of state and local leave requirements with the ability to interpret, apply and operationalize evolving legislation across a multi state workforce.
* Superior analytical, quantitative analysis and project management skills
* Excellent problem-solving skills and continuous process improvement orientation
* Excellent planning, time management, written and verbal communication skills, decision-making, presentation, organization and interpersonal skills
* Must possess the ability to establish, develop and maintain relationships with all employee levels
* Ability to establish and manage client relationships
* Ability to lead a team of 3+ individuals to deliver results
* Ability to adapt to different communication styles
* Expertise in reward technology platforms, managing the vendor and ensuring users are leveraging the technology to the fullest extent possible
* Advanced negotiation skills to enable optimal vendor selection with favorable terms to meet organizational needs
* Proficiency in MS Excel, (pivot tables, vlook-ups, etc.)

Benefits Strategy, Systems & Administration

* Design, implement and manage comprehensive benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, leave and disability, and retirement plans.
* Oversee leave administration programs including (but not limited to), paid family and medical leave programs, FMLA, short- & long-term disability and ensure consistent application and interpretation of policies, practices, and regulatory requirements across the organization. Ensures accurate coordination between leave administration, payroll, timekeeping and benefits continuation processes.
* Evaluate plan effectiveness, utilization, and cost trends; recommend enhancements aligned with workforce needs.
* Leads annual open enrollment, including planning, vendor coordination, systems readiness, testing, communication strategy and execution.
* Partner with stakeholders such as HRIS, IT, Payroll, etc. to ensure accurate configuration and integration of benefit programs within HR systems and timekeeping platforms.
* Support system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process redesign initiatives impacting benefits and leave administration.
* Work closely with brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to optimize plan offerings and cost efficiency.

Compliance & Risk Management

* Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g. FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA)
* Maintain plan documents, SPDs, and required filings.
* Partner with Legal and HR leadership to mitigate risk and ensure policy alignment.

Team & Vendor Management

* Provides leadership, coaching, and direction to the benefits team members.
* Manage vendor relationships, performance, and contract negotiations. Reviews and monitors invoices, reporting and financial performance metrics.
* Builds strong partnerships and ensures coordination across HR, payroll, legal and Finance teams.