The Benefits Manager will serve as both the strategic architect and operational owner of the company's employee benefits programs. This role goes beyond administration to owning the forward-looking design of programs that improve employee well-being, retention, and cost efficiency in a high-growth, multi-state retail environment. This leader will operate with high autonomy, anticipating business needs, identifying gaps, and proactively evolving our benefits strategy.
What You'll Do- Build and continuously evolve in a 3--5-year benefits strategy aligned to growth, workforce mix, and margin expectations
- Evaluate what we should offer vs what we currently offer, not just benchmarking but true design thinking
- Partner with leadership on benefits philosophy and total rewards positioning
- Own end-to-end administration of:
- Health, Dental, vision, disability, life
- Voluntary benefits
- Leave administration (FMLA, ADA coordination, STD/LTD)
- Own compliance across: FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPPA
- Proactively identify risk exposure areas
- Lead broker and vendor strategy
- Evaluate performance, cost, and outcomes
- Optimize contracts
- Translate broker insights into real, actionable internal decisions
- Employee Experience & Engagement:
- Design and lead benefits communication and education strategy
- Improve employee understanding, utilization and satisfaction of benefit offerings
- Partner with internal communications on clear and compelling messaging
- Data, Analytics & Financial Stewardship
- Analyze utilization and claims data to identify cost drivers & opportunities
- Build data-driven recommendations for plan design changes
- Conduct market benchmarking and translate insights into actionable plan design changes tied to cost, retention, and employee experience outcomes
- Monitor and interpret federal and state benefits regulations; ensure ongoing compliance
- Resolve complex benefit issues and discrepancies with speed and accuracy
- Oversee benefit systems and maintain accurate, compliant employee records
- Maintain and continuously improve documented processes and controls
- Support Quarterly & year end close activities related to benefits
What We're Looking ForMinimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in benefits or total rewards
- Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Demonstrated experience designing or evolving benefit programs along with maintaining.
- The ability to successfully communicate with all levels of employees
- Strong Knowledge of federal and state regulations including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125 and DOL
- Proven ability to analyze benefits data (cost, utilization, trends) and translate insights into actionable recommendations
- Experience working in a multi-state, multi-location, or high-growth environment
- Strong business acumen with ability to balance employee experience and cost management
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive outcomes in a fast-paced environment
- High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, or PHR/SPHR
- Experience supporting a self-funded or partially self-funded benefits model
- Experience with HRIS/benefits platforms (e.g., UKG/UltiPro or similar systems)
- Experience leading or supporting organizational change, restructuring, or due diligence
- Background in retail, multi-unit, or hourly workforce environments
Work EnvironmentThe position is based in an office environment, requiring periods of sitting and the operation of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and other office tools. Work hours are typically 8-5, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
BenefitsWe offer premium benefits to keep your life moving.
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Life/AD&D Insurance
- Short/Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401(K) with company match
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- Closed Sundays and Holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
- Discounts on Products and Services
- Employee Referral Program
- Paid Training and Reimbursement for ASE Certifications
- Belle Tire Scholarship Program
- Career Growth Opportunities with a Growing Company
- Learn more at https://www.belletirecareers.com/benefits/
