Position Summary: The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the administration of a comprehensive suite of employee benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, FMLA, 401(k), and ESOP. This role ensures the accuracy and compliance of benefits data, handles employee inquiries, and manages the annual benefits enrollment process. The Benefits Manager will also lead the leave-of-absence and disability claims administration and work closely with management to ensure the ongoing success of benefits offerings. Essential Job Functions: + Lead Benefits Administration: Manage and oversee all aspects of employee benefits enrollment and eligibility within the HRIS system, ensuring data accuracy and timely reporting to benefit vendors. + Manage and oversee employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, disability insurance, and other offerings. + Ensure programs a competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with company goals and employee needs. + Stay up to date on legislative changes and adjust policies and practices as required. + Employee Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding benefits questions, claims issues, plan changes, and eligibility determinations. + Open Enrollment Management: Plan and execute the open enrollment process, including communication strategies, enrollment materials, and updates to benefits plans. + Leave Management: Administer all leave-of-absence programs (medical, personal, disability, FMLA), ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies. Provide guidance on FMLA and ADA implications. + Retirement Plans Oversight: Manage the 401(k) and ESOP programs, including enrollment, contribution management, and responding to employee inquiries about retirement benefits. + Benefits Education & Communication: Lead benefits-related education and orientation for new hires and ongoing employee communications about benefits programs. + Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Loan Programs: Oversee and administer the tuition reimbursement and employee loan programs, including eligibility, approvals, and reporting. + Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with federal and state benefits laws and regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and ERISA + Partner with HR, payroll, and finance teams to streamline benefits administration and reporting. + Prepare and file necessary documentation and reports, such as annual audits, budget analysis, and billing. + Vendor Relations: Maintain relationships with external benefits vendors and carriers to ensure the efficient administration of benefits and timely resolution of issues. Required Skills and Abilities: + Leadership: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage a team (if applicable) and work effectively across departments. + Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in benefits data, compliance, and reporting. + Advanced Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to clearly explain complex benefits issues and guide employees through various programs. + Comprehensive Knowledge of Benefits Administration: In-depth understanding of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, disability, FMLA, and retirement plans, along with relevant laws and regulations. + Organized and Strategic: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively. + Technology Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with HRIS and benefits administration platforms. Education and Experience: Required: + Associate’s degree in human resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience and/or relevant certifications. + At least three years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or a similar role, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex benefits programs. Preferred: + Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field. + Experience mentoring others in a benefits-related role. + Certification in benefits administration (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP, or PHR) is a plus.