Manager-Benefits
Position Title: Benefits Manager
Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
Position Summary:The US Benefits Manager leads the design, delivery, and day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs for a workforce of approximately 2,600 employees. Serving as the company's subject-matter expert on health and welfare, retirement, leave management, wellness, and recognition programs, this role manages a benefits budget of roughly $45+ million and ensures that all programs remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with the company's Total Rewards strategy. The Benefits Manager partners closely with HR, Finance, and Payroll, oversees one direct report, and reports to the VP of Total Rewards & HR Services
Key Responsibilities:Health & Welfare Benefits- Oversee the full portfolio of medical, pharmacy (Rx), dental, and vision plans, managing plan design, carrier relationships, renewals, and a combined budget of ~$45 million.
- Lead annual plan negotiations with brokers and carriers; conduct cost/benefit analyses and model plan design changes to optimize value for employees and the company.
- Administer life insurance, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD) programs, ensuring accurate enrollment, premium reconciliation, and claims-support escalation.
- Manage leave of absence programs in conjunction with HR and Payroll, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, and applicable state leave laws.
Retirement & Pension Programs- Serve as the primary internal resource for the company's 401(k) plan, including investment menu oversight, participant communications, compliance testing (ADP/ACP, top-heavy), and annual Form 5500 filings.
- Manage pension plan administration and coordinate with the plan actuary, trustee, and record-keeper to ensure accurate benefit calculations, funding, and regulatory reporting.
- Partner with Finance and legal counsel to monitor ERISA fiduciary obligations and support the Benefits Investment Committee and lead the Benefits Administration Committee.
Wellness & Employee Recognition- Design and manage enterprise wellness programs-including health challenges, on line applications like HealthCheck 360, mental health resources, and EAP measuring usage and ROI.
- Oversee the employee service-award and recognition platform, ensuring program integrity, budget adherence, and a consistent, positive employee experience.
Benefits Administration & Open Enrollment- Plan and execute the annual Open Enrollment process end-to-end-communications, system configuration, employee education sessions, and post-enrollment audits.
- Maintain and optimize benefits administration systems; own all data interfaces and file transfers between the HRIS, payroll, and vendor/carrier systems, resolving discrepancies promptly.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, ERISA, and other applicable federal and state regulations; prepare required notices and filings.
- Monitor and reconcile benefit invoices, partnering with Finance and Accounts Payable for timely, accurate payments within the approved budget.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnerships- Directly manage and develop one Benefits Analyst, providing coaching, work planning, and performance management.
- Serve as a strategic partner to HR Business Partners, Finance, and Payroll on benefits cost forecasting, budget planning, and employee inquiries.
- Prepare and present benefits analytics, benchmarking reports, and program recommendations to the VP of Total Rewards & HR Services and senior leadership as needed.
- Stay current on market trends, legislative changes, and emerging best practices; proactively recommend program enhancements.
Qualifications:Required- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive benefits management experience, including direct oversight of health & welfare and retirement programs for a mid-to-large employer with salaried, hourly and union employees
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar benefits budgets and leading carrier/broker negotiations and participating in union negotiations.
- Solid knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, Section 125, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
- Experience with 401(k) plan administration including compliance testing, Form 5500, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms (SuccessFactors preferred), benefits administration systems, and data file management.
- Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to model scenarios and present data-driven recommendations.
- Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, hold partners accountable to SLAs, and negotiate favorable terms.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefit concepts to diverse employee audiences.
Preferred- CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), CBP (Certified Benefits Professional), or PHR/SPHR designation.
- Experience supporting publicly traded companies/manufacturing companies/union employees
- Experiencing supporting Benefits governance committees
- Familiarity with pension/defined benefit plan administration and actuarial reporting.
Experience implementing or optimizing a benefits technology platform or HCM system
WHAT WE OFFERAt Mativ, our benefits reflect how much we value and care for each other. We know that employees and their families have unique needs, so our comprehensive benefits offer flexibility, quality, and affordability. Here are just a few of the ways we support your well-being and that of your loved ones:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
- Company-paid basic life insurance and Additional voluntary life coverage
- Paid vacation and competitive personal time off
- 401(k) savings plan with company match
- Employee assistance programs - available 24/7 to you and your family
- Wellness and Work Life Support - career development and educational assistance
