Benefits Manager – HR Operations

Role Overview

• Design and manage employee benefits programs across health, welfare, retirement, wellness, leave, and voluntary offerings.
• Evaluate workforce trends and emerging benefit models to recommend innovative, data-driven plan enhancements.
• Lead annual benefits planning and renewal cycles, including strategy development and plan design recommendations.
• Research and implement new benefit programs that meet employee needs and support organizational goals.
• Analyze utilization data and market benchmarks to drive continuous improvement and maintain competitive positioning.
• Manage broker, carrier, and vendor relationships to ensure high-quality service delivery and cost-effective solutions.
• Lead RFPs and negotiate vendor contracts to optimize plan performance and employee experience.
• Monitor benefits budgets and financial performance, including forecasting and cost-containment strategies.
• Review claims analytics and recommend strategic plan adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and Section 125.
• Maintain accurate plan documents and required reporting to support regulatory readiness and audit requirements.
• Develop and deliver employee communication strategies that improve understanding and utilization of benefits.
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring a seamless and engaging employee experience.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders on benefits programs, wellbeing resources, and policy interpretation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 10+ years of progressive benefits or total rewards experience, including plan design, renewals, and program management.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and Section 125 with experience supporting multi-state workforces.
• Proven ability to lead vendor relationships, RFPs, and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated analytical and data-driven decision-making skills using utilization, claims, and benchmarking insights.
• Experience implementing innovative or non-traditional benefits programs and wellbeing initiatives.
• Strong communication and employee-centered education skills, including open enrollment leadership.
• Project management and cross-functional leadership experience with the ability to drive change and support hybrid teams.
• Financial acumen related to budgeting, forecasting, and cost-containment strategies.
• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS/benefits platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of workforce wellbeing trends and digital health platforms.
• Experience with reference-based pricing preferred.

Benefits

• Personal and Sick Paid Time Off.
• 401k with a highly competitive match.
• 11 Paid Holidays.
• Medical/Dental and Vision.
• Group Life Insurance, HSA/FSA.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Educational Assistance Program.