Benefits Manager

General Purpose

Benefits manager is responsible for administration of employee benefits in all company operations. As needed, this position provides special guidance and assistance to all locations on various employee benefit plans. Benefits manager surveys industry and/or community to determine company's competitive position in employee benefits. This position develops, recommends and installs approved, new or modified plans and employee benefits policies and supervises administration of existing plans. This position develops cost control procedures to assure maximum coverage at the least possible cost to company and employee. 
 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits programs such as medical, dental, vision plans; life insurance plans; temporary disability programs; wellness programs and the associated Section 125 plan along with the company 401(k) plan and NQDC plan. 
• Work with Third Party vendors to annually evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys and other sources of information. Analyze results of surveys and develop specific recommendations ensuring company is competitive in labor markets 
• Reconcile all monthly benefit bills; calculate premiums and refunds; Process payment of monthly bills. 
• Work with vendors and internal resources to develop company cost information for new plans and make premium cost share recommendations to management. Ensure company is meeting budget goals for claims spend and other benefit costs. Work with vendors and internal resources to develop benefits information, statistical and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers and management. 
• Oversee open enrollment and new hire enrollment process creating announcement materials, plan summary documents and other media for communicating plans to employees. Conduct employee meetings and arrange for enrollment. Advice and counsel management and employees on existing benefits as well as changes to benefits and/or laws. 
• Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instruct insurance carriers, trustees and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefits program. Ensure prompt and accurate compliance. 
• Handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. Manage the appeals process and writing of appeal responses. 
• Manage leave programs such as FMLA, STD, and LTD with outside vendors. 
• Manage COBRA with the aid of outside vendors. 
• Review Benefit programs during M&A due diligence processes. Responsible for identifying financial impact to the company and providing proposals of benefit program for M&A. Manage implementation of benefits after close of sale. 
• Work with others in the department and other departments to develop policies and procedures surrounding the consistent and efficient handling of benefits. 
• Ad hoc reports 
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Master’s desired. 
• CEBS or other insurance designations desired.   
• Experience leading the development and implementation of targeted compensation programs desired.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the benefits field with similar sized self-insured benefit plans.  
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience with 401(k) plans of similar size and complexity 
• Familiarity with operational, financial, quality assurance, and human resource procedures and regulations is a must. 
• Experience in vendor management and quality metrics. Broad knowledge of the insurance industry and benefit plans is required.