JOB SUMMARY:

The Company seeks a collaborative, creative, knowledgeable, and experienced professional for the manager, benefits. This position will require a hands-on leader will be responsible for benefits through the entire employment and post-employment lifecycle. The position will be responsible for the strategic design and implementation of national benefits programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage strategic benefits programs in line with marketing best practices and trends.
• Responsible for oversight of benefits programs, including recommending, implementation, support, and compliance for new and existing employee benefits programs, including but not limited to plan selection, annual renewal process, contract negotiation, benchmarking.
• Monitor CDC guidance and employment regulations to ensure all practices, benefits, and programs support associates' healthy and safe environment.
• Manages all aspects of the company’s workers compensation program.
• Project budgets for health, welfare, and retirement plans and monitor plan performance/efficiency/costs while partnering with Finance to ensure that appropriate budget estimates and accruals are in place.
• Leads the annual benefits renewal process of the Benefits program and develops ongoing methods to maintain oversight, compliance, and financial governance of the benefits programs.
• Develops employee outreach touch points to understand employee knowledge of the benefits programs and seek ideas for new programs.
• Reviews and analyzes the benefits of market trends, regulations, and practices, to recommend and develop new programs and policies where appropriate.
• Oversees a robust and effective communication plan for employee benefits programs such as health insurance plans, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, and other employer-sponsored benefits plans.
• Manages the 401(k) audit and supports the corporate audit and defined benefit plan audits annually. Files timely 5500's and completes all other required filings and notices
• Responsible for compliance for all benefit programs.
• Leads the enrollment process for all employees. Partner with external benefits service providers to prepare communication and training materials related to benefits and benefits policies.
• Manage high-level relationships with third-party sources/vendors responsible for benefit services and benefit plans.
• Ensure that benefit plans are administered in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRC Section 125, and FMLA.
• Manage leave and disability programs, including short-term and long-term disability or other leave requests, including accommodation requests under the ADA.

• Utilize working knowledge of the HRIS system partnering with the HRIS Director in order to pursue projects that drive efficiencies and accuracy of data.
• Work in partnership with marketing team to ensure companywide communication strategies are implemented.

• Administer and uphold all the Company’s values and policies and procedures.
• Continuously work towards the Company’s goal and vision.

ADDITONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Remain flexible to jump in as a team member on special projects, initiatives or other assignments, as needed.
• Proven ability to stay abreast of market, tools, and competitive trends.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; MBA or advanced coursework preferred.
• 8+ years of experience working in benefits with progressive responsibilities and subject matter expert for benefits and retirement programs in a complex business
• Experience with national benefits operations and in-depth knowledge of end-to-end benefits & retirement processes
• Experience with a national, distributed employee population preferred.
• Thorough understanding of federal regulations relating to health & welfare and retirement benefits and all applicable laws relating to benefit administration, including but not limited to ERISA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA & Health Care Reform.
• Demonstrated functional knowledge of current and emerging state-of-the-art benefits and retirements plans/changes
• 3+ years in the health care industry highly preferred
• Solid Microsoft Office skills
• Ceridian Dayforce HCM experience preferred

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:

• Has a proactive approach to communication and keeping stakeholders informed;
• Believes in personal accountability for themselves and others;
• Is high energy, agile and adaptable, with strong EQ and relationship-building orientation across HR and the business; able to influence at all levels;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• A demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy with diverse constituent groups;
• Strong project planning and execution skills;
• Systems thinker and solution-driven, with the ability to effectively problem-solve and implement process and system improvements;
• Demonstrated success in implementing creative methods to source and attract passive candidates at the top of their fields
• Experience recruiting in a high-volume environment, closing complex positions, negotiating compensation packages, and building an innovative and sustainable talent acquisition strategy.

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values