Senior Benefits ManagerPosition Summary: The Senior Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration and day-to-day management of all non-compensation employee benefit programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources and managing one Benefits Coordinator, the role owns benefits operations, vendor and broker relationships, employee education and open enrollment, and benefits-related compliance and audit activities. This is an execution- and administration-focused position: the Senior Benefits Manager implements and manages established benefit plans rather than designing plans or setting benefits strategy, which remain the responsibility of HR leadership.
Role Specifics:Benefits Administration & Operations- Administer all non-compensation employee benefit programs - including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement/401(k), leave, wellness, and voluntary benefits - ensuring accurate enrollment, eligibility, deductions, and record-keeping.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex employee benefits inquiries, claims issues, and coverage or eligibility questions.
- Partner with payroll and HRIS to ensure benefits data, deductions, and carrier feeds are accurate and reconciled.
Vendor Management- Manage relationships with benefits carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators, monitoring service levels and performance against contractual and service-level standards.
- Coordinate vendor renewals and implementations, resolve escalated service issues, and validate invoices and administrative fees for accuracy.
Benefits Training & Informational Sessions- Develop and deliver benefits training and informational sessions for employees and managers on plan options, eligibility, enrollment procedures, and how to use their benefits.
- Create and maintain clear benefits communications, guides, and reference materials.
Open Enrollment- Plan and lead annual open enrollment, including timelines, system configuration and testing, communications, and employee support.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with HR, payroll, and vendors to ensure enrollment elections are accurately captured and processed.
Compliance & Audit- Ensure benefit programs comply with applicable federal and state regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and IRS/DOL requirements.
- Manage required benefits filings and reporting (e.g., Form 5500, ACA reporting, non-discrimination testing) and maintain accurate documentation and plan records.
- Coordinate and support internal and external benefits audits and remediate findings.
Team Leadership & Development- Supervise, coach, and develop one Benefits Coordinator, setting priorities, reviewing work, and supporting professional growth.
- Ensure benefits tasks are completed accurately and on time, providing guidance on escalations and process improvements.
Competencies:- Leadership and People Development - Coaches and develops direct reports; creates an environment of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Judgment and Decision-Making - Exercises sound judgment when resolving complex or ambiguous benefits, eligibility, and vendor issues.
- Influence and Communication - Communicates benefits information clearly to employees, managers, and leaders, translating complex plan details into plain language.
- Attention to Detail - Maintains exceptional accuracy in enrollment, deductions, filings, and documentation.
- Organization and Execution - Manages competing priorities and time-sensitive processes such as open enrollment and renewals with strong project discipline.
- Adaptability - Adjusts priorities in response to regulatory changes, plan updates, and evolving employee needs.
- Integrity and Confidentiality - Demonstrates unwavering ethical standards and appropriately handles sensitive and confidential employee information.
- Business Acumen - Understands organizational operations and cost drivers to administer benefits programs effectively and efficiently.
- Employee Service Orientation - Delivers responsive, empathetic support and a positive employee experience across all benefits interactions.
Experience:- Minimum of 7 years of progressive employee benefits administration experience, including at least 2 years supervising or leading benefits staff.
- Demonstrated experience managing benefits carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
- Proven success planning and leading annual open enrollment in a multi-plan, and ideally multi-state, environment.
- Hands-on experience with benefits compliance, required filings, and audit support.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Regulatory Knowledge- Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and Section 125 requirements.
- Familiarity with DOL and IRS reporting obligations, including Form 5500 and ACA reporting.
Technical Skills- Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG) and online enrollment systems.
- Strong Excel and data-reconciliation skills for eligibility, deductions, and invoice validation.
Professional Capabilities- Skilled in vendor and project management, including renewals, implementations, and open enrollment execution.
- Ability to design and deliver clear, engaging benefits communications and training.
Leadership Skills- Ability to supervise, coach, and develop a direct report and set clear priorities.
- Effective collaboration with HR, payroll, and finance partners.
Education & Certifications- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
- CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification preferred.
Work Environment:- This is a fast-paced and dynamic operating environment.
- Most of the time is spent sitting, constantly viewing monitors in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move around. There may be occasions to move or lift light articles.
- This role is based in our headquarters office in Dunwoody, GA and requires a strong in-person presence.
- Must be able to travel up to 10%.
