Benefits Manager

Role Overview

• Partner with the Director, Global Benefits to support the strategy and design of U.S. Health and Welfare programs aligned with workforce needs and Total Rewards objectives.
• Manage the annual benefits planning, renewal, and Open Enrollment lifecycle, including financial modeling, benchmarking, and preparation of data‑driven recommendations for senior leadership.
• Translate benefit strategy into operational execution through cross‑functional and vendor partnerships, delivering a consistent, high‑quality employee experience.
• Oversee ongoing administration and implementation of Health & Welfare programs, including COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and voluntary plans.
• Lead multiple initiatives concurrently, applying strong project management discipline to ensure timely and effective delivery.
• Conduct financial modeling, cost, utilization, and ROI analysis to evaluate program performance and inform renewal and plan design decisions.
• Manage the employee benefits budget and deliver clear, actionable reporting on cost trends, participation, risks, and optimization opportunities.
• Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate enrollments, vendor billings, payments, and tax compliance.
• Manage vendor relationships for benefits administration and point solutions, including governance, performance monitoring, and KPI tracking.
• Oversee Level 2 administrative appeals and escalated employee benefit issues in partnership with vendors and Legal.
• Build and continuously improve benefits processes, controls, and communications to support scalability, accuracy, and employee engagement.
• Participate in benefit‑related M&A activities, including due diligence, integration, and program harmonization.
• Ensure Health & Welfare programs operate in compliance with plan documents, policies, filings, testing, and required notices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field
• 6-8+ years of progressive experience in benefits strategy, design and administration including vendor strategy & management and financial management
• Proven experience leading, measuring and managing third-party vendor relationships
• Strong working knowledge of benefits-related laws and regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA and applicable state and local requirements
• Demonstrated experience with self-funded plans
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts and partner with all levels of management and associates, including HR colleagues, business leaders and senior executives
• Strong initiative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Experience managing benefits platforms and tools
• Experience developing policies, procedures and processes documentation
• Prior experience leading and developing a small team

Benefits

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development