Position Details: Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager – Client, USA

Work Location: This position is based in Dallas, Cincinnati or New Jersey. 

The position reports to the Head, Total Rewards, North America

Summary/Objective

Benefits manager is responsible for design and administration of employee benefits in all company operations in USA. Benefits manager surveys industry and/or the market place to determine company's competitive position in employee benefits. Works extensively with the providers and advisors on benefits strategy and administration. This position has a good depth of understanding financial arrangements as it applies to benefits plans and develops process audits to ensure efficiencies.

 Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys and other sources of information. Plan, develop and/or participate in area and industry surveys. Analyze results of surveys and develop specific recommendations for review by management.

2. Recommend classes of eligible employees for new or modified plans. Develop census data and solicit insurance companies for quotations. Evaluates quotation and make recommendations to management. Develop company cost information for new plans and make premium cost share recommendations to management. Work with Company brokers / advisors as applicable.

3. Administer employee benefits programs such as medical, dental, vision plans; life insurance plans; temporary disability; welfare and wellness programs.

4. Install approved new plans or changes to existing plans by preparing announcement materials, plan summary documents, changes to benefits administration process / systems, and other media for communicating plans to employees. Advise and counsel management and employees on existing benefits.

5. Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instruct insurance carriers, trustees and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefits program. Ensure prompt and accurate compliance.

6. Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value. Design, recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes. Negotiate with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.

7. Assure company compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Affordable Care Act. Supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies. Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits, and report necessary or suggested changes to management. Coordinate company benefits with government-sponsored programs.

8. Develop benefits information and statistical and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers and management.

9. Handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. 

10. Supervise maintenance of enrollment and claims records for all benefits plans.

11. Participate in the transition of benefits for mergers and acquisitions.

12. Oversee the global benefits and expat movement.

13. Oversee the administration of the benefits billing process to ensure accurate and timely changes are reported to carriers.

Competencies

1. Business Acumen, specific to consulting and professional services / technology industry is an advantage.

2. Critical Evaluation – qualitative and quantitatively

3. Global & Cultural Awareness.

4. HR Expertise.

5. Leadership & Relationship Management

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages benefits staff and related service center staff in a matrix organization structure.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: 10 to 15% travel likely. 

Required Education and Experience

[Indicate education based on requirements that are job-related and consistent with business necessity. 

A bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in benefits administration, OR

Any appropriate combination of education and experience.

1. Knowledge of benefits contract language.

2. Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

3. Experience in evaluating benefits administration platforms.

4. Broker and benefits vendor management and negotiation experience required

Preferred Education and Experience

1. A master's degree in finance and / or human resource management and 10 years of experience in benefits administration, OR

2. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or equivalent with about 10 years of related experience 

AAP/EEO Statement