Benefits Manager

Wabash•Lafayette, IN

About The Position

The Benefits Manager position is responsible for managing, planning and execution of the group benefits and retirement programs. The Benefits Manager also provides excellent vendor management and internal cross-functional coordination, investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and monitors benefits utilization, as well as designs employee benefits plans and provides analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefit programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (Preferred Major: Human Resources, Business, Mathematics)
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in related benefits or employee benefits administration
HR Expertise
Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, HRIS and benefits databases
Knowledge of benefits contract language
Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements
Excellent communication and organization skills
Critical Evaluation
Relationship Management
Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with employees
Capability of effective planning and priority setting
Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs. Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on the proposals (RFPs)
Ethical Practice
Can manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines
Inventive, proactive, growth mindset, inclusion

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred
CEBS preferred
Prior Supervisory experience preferred

Responsibilities

Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value
Manages the design, recommendation, and implementation of new benefits programs
Works closely with the brokerage team on plan designs, projections, and cost estimates
Manages the negotiation with vendors and administrators for best plans, options, and rates
Evaluates and revises internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes. Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees
Leads plan compliance and testing, vendor management and plan document regulatory updates
Audits the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits team. Analyzes current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs
Manages both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs
Completes benefits and retirement surveys and review information obtained from the results
Assist with the development of specific recommendations for review by management
Oversee the communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package
Oversee the design and distribution of materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions
Manage, mentor, and develop the benefits team
Other duties as assigned