Responsible for managing benefits administration, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and effectively communicating benefits options to employees. Additionally, this role involves vendor management, cost control, data analysis, and regular reporting to senior management to inform strategic decision-making. The Senior Benefits Manager is expected to have a deep understanding of employee benefits regulations, a strong background in benefits management, and the ability to analyze data to drive improvements in benefits programs. Essential Job Duties • Develop and execute a comprehensive benefits strategy that aligns with the company's goals and objectives. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to continuously improve the benefits offerings. • Oversee the day-to-day administration of employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, leave of absence administration, and other fringe benefits. Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations. • Maintain a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits. Ensure the company's benefits programs comply with all legal requirements and reporting obligations. Ensure compliance with all Federal and State Leave of Absence laws as well as internal practices. • Ensures status changes and offers/revocation of coverage are consistent with company policy and ACA requirements. • Responsible for ensuring 1095-c reporting is accurate and produced timely. • Manage relationships with benefit providers, including insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators. Negotiate contracts, evaluate vendor performance, and recommend changes when necessary. • Develop and implement effective communication strategies to educate employees about their benefits options. Provide guidance and support to employees regarding benefits-related inquiries and issues. • Acts as the team lead for the annual Open Enrollment process. • Develop strategies that align with internal goals and present upcoming strategies to Sr Dir Total Rewards and members of the Executive team. Make data-driven recommendations for improvements and adjustments. • Administer and promote employee assistance programs, such as wellness initiatives, employee discounts, and financial counseling services. • Generate regular reports on benefits utilization, costs, and trends. Present findings to senior management and provide recommendations for strategic decision-making. • Identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy. • Assume other duties as assigned. SupervisoryResponsibilities Manage the work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work, ensuring quality standards. Responsible for hiring, terminating, training, developing, reviewing performance, and administering corrective action for staff. Basic Qualifications Education & Experience • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. • 7+ years of experience in benefits management, with a proven track record of designing and implementing successful benefits programs and leading team members. Preferred Qualifications • Master's degree. • Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) certification. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities • Strong overall benefit plan knowledge. In-depth knowledge of employee benefits regulations and compliance requirements. • Excellent project management and organizational abilities. • Proficient use of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole statistical inference, and forecasting. Ability to apply and analyze concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Frequent use of Outlook, Word, Excel, graphics, etc. Ability to create, maintain, and incorporate functions into Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, databases, and PowerPoint presentations to support business objectives. • Frequently communicates complex information across departments and interacts with management. Can present, resolve, and address delicate situations. Can motivate and persuade others. • Problems are varied and complex, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation. Problems are solved using knowledge and skills, general precedents, and practices. • Decisions impact the management and operations within a department or business unit. May contribute to business and operational decisions that affect the department. • Provides and sets goals and priorities for functional areas. May make recommendations for department policies, practices, and programs. Makes decisions for and/or resolves problems for others. • Prioritize, organize, and oversee tasks and projects: responsible for outcomes. Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment • Work is primarily sedentary: must be able to sit for extended periods and use a computer, keyboard, and mouse, frequently. • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. • Travel may be required periodically, including overnight stays (contingent on position requirements). Minimum overnight travel (up to 10%).