**JOB SUMMARY** The Benefits Manager is responsible for the management, oversight and administration of the benefits programs for the organization, and is instrumental in the development of short- and long-term strategies, competitive and cost effective health, welfare and retirement plans in the U.S.; staying abreast of trends in the marketplace to ensure continuous improvement of existing benefits programs and providing analytical support in the delivery of these programs and ensure program compliance are ongoing expectations. **JOB RESPONSIBILITIES** + Provide effective leadership, development, coaching and guidance to an assigned team of individuals. Delegate appropriate responsibilities as necessary. + Select and leverage vendor relationships and platforms to ensure efficient, automated and cost effective administration of benefit programs. Manage vendor performance in accordance with service level agreements. + Direct, manage, design, implement and communicate affordable and competitive benefits programs to attract and retain employees. + Ensure benefits programs are aligned with corporate strategies and objectives. + Develop and deliver short- and long-term strategic recommendations to ensure benefits programs meet the needs of a diverse workforce, while maintaining compliance with all legal requirements. + Provide advice and input in national union negotiations related to benefits programs. + Assist in due diligence activities for potential acquisitions, as needed, and lead benefit integration activities of mergers and acquisitions. + Direct consultants in the gathering and analysis of benefits inventory and market data to effectively understand the competitiveness of Neovia’s benefits programs. + Provide training and support to HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and other internal stakeholders. + Manage broker relationships and work with them to continually review plan designs for effectiveness, affordability, compliance and consistency with the market. + Oversee wellness strategies for health improvement across the organization. + Manage annual strategic planning, implementations, communications and financial forecasts. + Works closely with Compensation and HR Information System teams to ensure total rewards objectives are met. + Maintain oversight of benefits inventory data for annual renewals and assessment and preparation of specific presentation to senior leaders. + Manage 401(k) plan administration and strategy. + Serve as liaison to 401(k) Investment Committee and advisors to ensure fiduciary responsibility is understood and met. + Partner with external vendors to conduct annual discrimination testing, plan audits and ensure government filings are prepared and all deadlines are met. + Develop processes and procedures for leave administration and educating HRBPs on best practices to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state leave regulations. + Serve as the company liaison between Neovia and all third-party vendors for escalated issues. + Partner with human resources (HR) and support its human capital and organizational effectiveness programs and initiatives. Operate in alignment with HR’s strategies. + Ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service and tangible outputs. Rely on industry standards, best practices, and qualitative & quantitative data to support and/or refine payroll’s methodologies. + Perform other responsibilities as assigned, including overnight and potential international travel. **QUALIFICATIONS** + Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience. + At least 3 years of people leadership experience. + At least 7 years of experience as a Benefits Manager with responsibilities for strategic planning, management, and implementation of plans and programs. + At least 7 years of experience in designing and implementing self- and fully-insured health and welfare benefits plans and retirement programs (Defined Benefits, Defined Contribution, and Non-Qualified Plans). + Experience with global/international benefit plan design and administration is helpful. + An active Benefits certification e.g., CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialists), GBA (Group Benefits Association) is preferred. + An active Human Resources certification (e.g., PHR (Professional in Human Recourses)) is helpful. **PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS** + Work is primarily sedentary. Sits comfortably to do the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, or lifting item weighing up to 15 pounds. **ADDITIONAL INFO** + Strong understanding of pertinent federal and state laws governing employee benefit plans and insurance policies (ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, ADA, HIPAA, PPA, ACA, etc.) including filing and compliance requirements. + Advanced knowledge of financial and accounting principles and working knowledge of general actuarial methodologies. + Strong technical competency to understand benefit infrastructure and the supporting systems required for enrollment, payroll, carrier interfaces and applicable data transfers. + Establish and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization, and with external vendors and regulatory agencies. + Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to swiftly shift approach based on audience. + Ability to communicate complex issues/solutions in a manner that is easily understood and actionable despite the audience. + Ability to perform well within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that requires the management of multiple projects at once, without compromising quality and service levels. + Ability to operate and influence at a strategic level, maintain composure and professional, deliver results, despite organizational noise. + Ability to maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive data at all times. + Must have strong analytical skills, ability to work independently, have exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills and pay specific attention to details. Neovia is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and respect. Neovia does not tolerate unlawful discrimination against anyone – employees, customers, business partners, or others – on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.