Benefits Manager

Benefits Specialist:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and managing employee benefits programs to support the recruitment, retention, and well-being of employees within our engineering firm. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to ensure the effective delivery and continuous improvement of benefits programs. The Benefits Specialist will also ensure compliance with regulations and policies and provide guidance and support to employees regarding their benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration
• Administer and manage company-sponsored benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.
• Process enrollments, changes, and terminations for employee benefits.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit payments, contributions, and claims.
• Partner with payroll to manage benefit deductions and resolve discrepancies.
• Employee Support & Communication
• Serve as a primary contact for employees’ benefit-related inquiries and assist with issue resolution.
• Educate employees about their benefits options, costs, and eligibility during onboarding and open enrollment.
• Develop and distribute communication materials to keep employees informed of changes, deadlines, and benefits enhancements.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA).
• Maintain employee benefits records in compliance with company and legal requirements.
• Complete audits and generate reports to ensure benefits accuracy and compliance.
• Benefits Program Analysis & Improvement
• Conduct benchmarking to evaluate the competitiveness of benefits offerings.
• Analyze usage and trends in benefits programs to make data-driven recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with brokers, carriers, and vendors to optimize plan designs and negotiate favorable terms.
• Open Enrollment & Annual Benefits Review
• Lead the planning and execution of the annual open enrollment process.
• Update and distribute benefits guides, forms, and resources.
• Conduct presentations and Q&A sessions to help employees understand their benefits options.
• Project Support
• Participate in special projects as needed, such as wellness initiatives, benefit policy updates, and employee engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in benefits administration, preferably in a similar or engineering/technical industry.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits regulations and requirements.
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle sensitive and confidential information.

Preferred Skills

• Certification in benefits (CEBS or similar) is a plus.
• Experience with employee wellness programs.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in employee benefits.