Benefits Manager

Description

This position will lead the overall design, implementation, communication and administration of the company’s health and welfare programs.

Provides consultative services to Human Resources team members, management and employees regarding employee benefit plans / policies, legal requirements and claims issues.

Recommends benefit solutions that meet the business and strategic objectives of the company. Maintains financial oversight regarding accuracy of carrier billing / client billing / employee contributions and ensures automated benefit system is properly maintained.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

Leads in the design, development and administration of employee benefit programs such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance / AD&D plans;

wellness program; 401k plans, flexible spending plans, and voluntary benefits.

• Manage relationships with benefit providers and service administrators, negotiate contracts, and evaluate vendors to ensure the best value for the organization and employees.
• Analyzes benefit plan coverage and recommends benefit strategies, policies and programs designed to attract and retain employees in accordance with social and industry trends.
• Develops a communication plan to ensure there is critical understanding of benefit plans offered.
• Oversees full compliance with all state and federal regulations, reporting and filing requirements relating to all benefit plans.

Work closely with benefit brokers and vendors to ensure timely and accurate ACA reporting compliance, 5500 filings, IRS and DOL filings and audit responses, and all other benefit related compliance obligations.

Ensures timely communications to senior management in advance of any compliance concerns and issues.

• Monitor benefit costs and provides leadership with data needed to understand trends and budget impacts.
• Ensures policies regarding Leaves of Absence remain current and compliant, and that procedures regarding leaves and benefit continuation are consistently applied and effectively communicated.
• Manages the open enrollment process for all benefit and 401k programs, including the development of timelines, communication plan utilizing various media, system updates, coordinating with consultant, vendors and reporting.
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate benefits data, records and reports.
• Perform other duties, special projects and activities as required by the organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications :

• Thorough understanding of state and federal regulations relating to benefit plans and all applicable laws relating to benefit administration (including COBRA, HIPPA, and ERISA), and be able to effectively work within company policies and state / federal laws.
• Experience communicating effectively with DOL and IRS as needed.
• Must have outstanding interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to create and deliver presentations to all levels of employees in a clear, compelling and confident manner.
• Must be flexible and able to work effectively with all levels of employees.
• Must be highly proficient and fully functional in all Microsoft Office applications, and able to effectively utilize all available office management technology including internet, Microsoft Outlook and email applications.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to create and interpret reports related to benefit costs, P&L impact, and also generate internal documents for HR and Finance to use for budgeting and employee communications.
• Professional, articulate and able to use good independent judgment and discretion. Must have proven ability to maintain correspondence, discussions and materials in strictest confidence.
• Energetic, driven personality with a demonstrated ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments and effectively manage deadlines.
• Strong internal and external customer service focus, with a genuine desire to assist others.
• Strong project management and complex problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Additional specialized training or coursework specific to benefits administration highly desired.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in benefits field, with a strong working knowledge of benefits administration.
• Experience with vendor and broker management required.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft office (strong Excel skills preferred)

Travel Requirements

Typically requires travel less than 5% of the time

PRIMARY LOCATION

Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI