Benefits Manager

Role Overview

• Manage and administer the employee benefits program, including but not limited to health, dental, and vision plans, EAP, life insurance, short and long-term disability, 401(k) retirement plan and other voluntary program plans.
• Oversee the Company’s leave programs, and provide training and guidance to managers on benefits, leave processes, and compliance requirements.
• Manage benefits and leave administration platforms (including FMLA Manager and UKG Benefits Hub) including system configuration, testing, automation, and reporting.
• Identify system changes needed due to legal or contractual changes affecting benefits.
• Manage the annual benefits open enrollment process including strategy planning, system configuration, testing, communications, and employee support.
• Research and recommend benefit cost containment strategies and plan design enhancements.
• Responsible for the Company’s 401(k) program, including contribution file reconciliation, employee communications, annual audit, true-up process, and non-discrimination testing.
• Oversee the PPACA administration and benefit year-end reporting, including 1095-C/1094-C reporting and other applicable state reporting requirements.
• Manage benefit administration activities, including carrier file management, billing, reconciliation, auditing, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate benefits-related data exchange and serve as the primary liaison with Payroll and Accounting to ensure accurate deductions and payments.
• Ensure accurate enrollment, eligibility tracking, life event processing, and terminations across HRIS and vendor platforms.
• Manage the Company’s PTO program, ensuring alignment with leave policies, accurate tracking in HRIS, employee communications, and compliance with applicable state and local leave laws.
• Oversee the strategy planning, execution, and ongoing communication of the Company’s wellness program.
• Conduct benefits orientations as part of the new hire onboarding process and respond to candidate benefit inquiries.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with benefit carriers and broker/advisors.
• Coordinate and correspond with internal stakeholders and external agencies regarding benefits administration and compliance matters.
• Research and evaluate complex benefits and HR issues; recommend effective solutions and options.
• Participates in strategic planning for human resource functions and services; recommends goals and objectives and support the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to the Company’s benefit programs.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge and expertise in employee benefit programs, legislative developments, and industry best practices; make recommendations to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations including but not limited to COBRA, HIPPA, FMLA and related laws, to ensure compliance.
• Participate in team projects, training and handle other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7-10 years of related HR experience with at least 5 years of benefits administration experience.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience leading, developing and implementing employee benefit programs.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) preferred.
• Strong understanding of federal and state employee benefit laws (COBRA, HIPPA, FMLA, etc.) and multi-state compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to provide HR consultation on issues regarding benefits and policies.
• Working knowledge of human resources management principles and practices.
• Proficiency with HRIS and leave management tracking systems.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strategic mindset with operational execution capabilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision plans
• Premier 401k retirement plan with corporate matching and a 529 college saving plan
• Tax-advantaged Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account options
• Legal Resources
• Generous work/life balance opportunities supported by a PTO bank, paid holidays, leave programs and additional flex time off
• Employee referral program
• Employee recognition, gift and reward program
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Remote or hybrid work options
• Engaging company events such as team building activities, annual awards and kick-off parties
• Health and wellness-focused activities
• Relaxation Spaces
• In-office gourmet coffee, tea, fresh fruit and healthy snacks
• Corporate GREEN approach – tracking energy consumption for reduction and purchasing only environmentally friendly products for our offices