Description

POSITION PURPOSE

Drawing from a deep specialization in benefits, this position is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs that support organizational goals, comply with legal requirements, and meet the diverse needs of employees. This role partners with HR, finance, and external vendors to ensure the delivery of competitive, cost-effective, and compliant benefits offerings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: The essential duties and primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or most of the primary accountabilities listed below. Specific tasks, responsibilities or competencies may be documented in the incumbent's performance objectives as outlined by the employee's immediate supervisor or manager.

1. Manages the execution and effective administration of complex health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and wellness programs. This includes managing the day-to-day benefit operations with precision and urgency,
2. Leads the annual benefits processes, including open enrollment, plan renewals, employee communications, and wellness initiatives. Conducts a competitive analysis to ensure benefit programs are competitive. Ensures benefits are cost-effective and aligned with the organizational strategy.
3. Analyzes plan performance, budgets and costs, identifying opportunities for improvement. Monitors benefits utilization and recommends enhancements or changes based on data and industry trends.
4. Develops and delivers clear communication and education materials to increase awareness and understanding of benefit program offerings. This includes developing and implementing a wellness campaign to promote overall health and wellbeing.
5. Manages relationships with brokers, carriers and third-party administrators. Negotiates renewals, contracts, and service agreements to optimize cost and service levels. This includes partnering with vendors to resolve issues and maintain plan integrity.
6. Manages the benefit plan billing and reconciliation processes to ensure timely and accurate payment to vendors.
7. Oversees compliance activities, including IRS 5500 reporting, 401(k) plan audits, non-discrimination testing, ACA reporting, and Medicare Part D notices. This includes ensuring adherence to COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and ACA requirements.
8. Administers all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, short and long-term disability, and other statutory or company-sponsored leaves. Ensures employees and managers are supported throughout the leave process, including benefit coordination and return-to-work planning.
9. Collaborates with senior total rewards leadership to design benefit strategies that meet the business needs.
10. Participates in the assessment, selection and implementation of benefits systems, ensuring continuity of information between systems and vendors.

MARGINAL OR ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

1. Champions process improvements to promote operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
2. Monitors regulatory changes and updates policies and practices accordingly.
3. Plays a key role in M&A activity, specifically the due diligence, alignment, and integration of employee benefits offerings.
4. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES

• This position has direct supervisory responsibility for paraprofessional and professional level employees. This includes hiring, performance management and development of the team.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must possess a knowledge of Benefits as normally obtained through the completion of a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Seven plus years of progressively responsible experience managing benefit design, administration, and compliance at a multi-state level, including retirement plan management. Must also have proven experience providing oversight to leave of absence programs.
• At least five years managing and developing a team of paraprofessionals and professionals is required.
• Proven experience leading RFPs and spearheading vendor selection and management for complex benefits programs.
• Proven successful project management experience from cradle to grave. This includes the effective implementation for enterprise-wide projects and user adoption.
• Must possess business acumen, analytical skills, and strong problem-solving skills. Proven experience implementing metrics to gauge team and benefits performance is required.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and activities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Change management and user adoption support required.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner with internal and external stakeholders. The ability to navigate all employee levels and influence without authority is required.
• Must possess the ability to present and explain complex information clearly and concisely to all levels within the organization.
• Creative, solutions-focused mindset; adaptable and open to learning in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

TRAVEL

• May include travel to support multi-state operations for M&A activity.