Benefits Manager

Position Summary:

The Benefits Manager under general supervision of the VP of People Resources is responsible for the daily interpretation and administration of the Company's benefits and company-sponsored programs in regard to plan options, policy features, enrollment, and other requirements.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Administers and maintains benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, leave of absence and retirement plans.
• Ensures compliance with Federal and State laws, including, but not limited to the Affordable
• Care Act (ACA), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), etc.
• Functions as the project manager for benefit system upgrades and process improvement projects.
• Acts as the main contact for the benefits administrator ensuring all benefit activities including enrollments, system integrations, customer support, billing reconciliations and compliance are properly managed and executed.
• Ensures benefits portal functions correctly at open enrollment and for life event changes.
• Supervises preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, and other regulatory agencies.
• Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits, and reports necessary or suggested changes to management.
• Prepares statistical and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers and management.
• Manages preparation, submission and reconciliation of all benefits invoices.
• Works with the Benefits Analyst to ensure inquiries are handled promptly and efficiently.
• Coordinates development of benefit materials and roll-out of annual enrollment process including system updates.
• Coordinates the implementation and roll-out of Wellness programs.
• Monitors and prepares changes and updates to all benefits communication materials including Employee Self Service portal.
• Interprets benefit policies, reviews claims and ensures all required forms and legal documents are supplied.
• Participates in surveys and other benchmarking activities to assess programs and solutions as assigned; and assists in procurement and evaluation of bids for services or benefit programs.
• Interprets and administers leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal and state employment laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).
• Coordinates and organizes all medical information and ensures that HIPAA and Employee Privacy guidelines are closely monitored and effectively executed in the review of leave cases.
• Works with the Director of Benefits and Compensation to manage vendor relationships and coordinates vendor selection and RFP process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements both adopted and pending affecting employee benefit programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, SECTION 125, Workers Compensation, Medicare, Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and confidentiality.
• Displays strategic thinking and good judgment when faced with complex or difficult situations and decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Suite computer skills required. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Education/Experience:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience.
• A minimum of four years of progressive professional experience in the management of an employee benefits program.
• Three years of experience working with benefits portals or applicable HCM benefit modules are required.