Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration, compliance, and operational delivery of U.S. health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs. This role ensures that all benefit programs are administered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable regulations, while delivering high-quality employee experience.

This position is a subject matter expert on US benefits and partners closely with the VP of HR, Global Reward Director, Finance, Payroll, Legal, and external vendors to execute benefit programs aligned with the organization’s overall Total Rewards strategy.

Responsibilities 

• Oversee the administration of all U.S. health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, disability, EAP, and voluntary benefits
• Manage relationships and act as primary liaison with benefit carriers, brokers and third part administrators, including data collection, reporting & operational execution.  Conduct regular service reviews, track SLAs, and escalate issues as needed
• Lead annual Open Enrollment (OE) planning & execution, including system configuration, testing, communications, and post-OE reconciliation. Monitor benefits utilization, trends, and employee feedback to recommend enhancements or changes.
• Perform monthly premium reconciliation, invoice validation, and coordination with Finance on accruals and forecasting.  Ensure accurate payroll integration, including deductions, retro adjustments, and taxable benefits
• Maintain and oversee the benefits administration system (HRIS/BenAdmin), including configurations, testing, and integrations.
• Ensure data integrity through routine audits across HRIS, payroll, and carrier systems.  Oversee eligibility file feeds (EDI/834), including error resolution and reconciliation
• Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Federal, State & local benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and Section 125.  Manage employer benefit reporting & compliance requirements, including ACA reporting (1095-C / 1094-C), non-discrimination testing, up to date plan documentation (e.g. SPDs) and annual plan notices.  Support audits and internal compliance reviews
• Oversee COBRA administration, including qualifying events, notices, and reinstatements
• Deliver employee benefits communications, including guides, FAQs, and educational materials. Ensure a seamless employee experience, including enrolments, life events & terminations as well as timely resolution of employee issues, including claims and appeals coordination  
• Partner with HR and Legal on leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, and state leave requirements
• Support coordination of STD/LTD and workers’ compensation interactions
• Oversee the company’s 401(k) plan, including plan governance and administration
• Partner with recordkeeper and TPA on plan operations, testing (ADP/ACP), and compliance requirements
• Support with fiduciary processes, including plan documentation, committee materials and assists with Form 5500 preparation and audit coordination
• Support employee education on retirement planning and participation