Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online.
A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application.
A resume may not be substituted for an application.Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Human Resources, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience managing employee benefits programs, including vendor management and regulatory compliance expertise, including two years of supervisory experience.
Preferred:- Experience in government or public sector benefits administration.
- A professional certification in benefits administration, such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), is preferred but not required.
Position Summary:
The Benefits Manager oversees the administration, compliance, and strategic management of all employee benefit programs. This role ensures alignment with federal, state, and local regulations while leading annual open enrollment, managing vendor relationships, and serving as the primary escalation point for complex benefit issues. The Benefits Manager provides management oversight of data accuracy, billing integrity, and benefit-related processes, including RFP management and the implementation of collective bargaining agreements. The role also analyzes benefit utilization and trends to support organizational planning and supervises HR staff in applying benefits policies and best practices. Decisions made by the Benefits Manager directly affect the County's financial exposure, legal compliance posture, employee satisfaction and retention, and labor relations. Errors in judgment or compliance failures present significant organizational risk. Effective performance in this role supports the County's ability to attract and retain talent and fulfill obligations under collective bargaining agreements. The Benefits Manager directly supervises three positions: Benefits Administrator, Benefits Analyst, and Benefits Representative. Supervisory responsibilities include setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, recommending hiring decisions, and implementing disciplinary actions in accordance with County personnel policies.
Overview:
Duties:
- Oversees the administration of all employee benefit programs.
- Ensures benefit plans are compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Leads annual open enrollment, including planning, communication, employee support, and overseeing system updates.
- Serves as the primary escalation point for complex employee benefit issues, providing clear guidance and resolution.
- Partners with vendors, broker consultants, and carriers to manage contracts, resolve issues, and evaluate plan performance.
- Manages the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for benefit vendors, including drafting specifications, evaluating proposals, and supporting vendor selection.
- Supports the implementation of collective bargaining agreements related to employee benefits.
- Analyzes benefit utilization, costs, and trends to support strategic planning and recommendations.
- Coordinates benefit-related data management, ensuring accurate and timely entry of employee changes, enrollment, and deductions.
- Oversees benefit billing, reconciliation, and auditing to ensure accuracy and financial integrity.
- Supervises assigned employees by providing clear direction and guidance, ensuring accurate and timely completion of work in alignment with established guidelines and expectation, while fostering a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages employee growth and development.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Benefit program structures and vendor proposals.
- Organizational policies and procedures.
- Relevant federal, state and local employment laws.
- Union and collective bargaining agreements.
Skill in:
- Advanced analytics.
- Evaluating complex vendor proposals.
- Interpreting actuarial and financial data.
- Assessing regulatory risk.
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources to make program-level recommendations.
Ability to:
- Make decisions that have department-wide or County-wide implications and require sound judgment balancing cost, compliance, and employee needs.
- Communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including County leadership, union representatives, vendors, legal counsel, and employees at all levels.
- Present complex benefits information in clear, accessible terms, and the capacity to operate in politically sensitive environments.
Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
