Benefits Manager

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive as it is impossible to outline every duty or responsibility a role will entail. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ROLE SUMMARY: The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the organization's employee benefits programs. This role ensures team members have access to competitive, cost-effective benefits while delivering exceptional service, promoting employee well-being, and maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Benefits Manager partners closely with leadership, team members, and external vendors to enhance the overall employee experience and support organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administer and manage employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and wellness initiatives.

• Oversee benefit enrollments, life event changes, qualifying events, and annual open enrollment processes.

• Serve as point of contact for team member benefit inquiries, providing accurate and timely guidance regarding plan options, eligibility, and claims issues.

• Partner with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, retirement plan administrators, and other vendors to ensure effective program administration and service delivery.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable benefits-related laws and regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and applicable state requirements.

• Manage benefits invoicing, reconciliation, reporting, audits, and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy and cost control.

• Support leave of absence administration, including medical, family, personal, military, and disability leaves.

• Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, and People + Culture teams to ensure accurate administration and reporting of benefits programs.

• Maintain confidential employee records and benefits data in accordance with privacy standards and company policies.

• Analyze benefits utilization, trends, and employee feedback to recommend improvements and enhancements to benefit offerings.

• Assist with annual benefits planning, vendor evaluations, contract renewals, and benefits budgeting processes.

• Promote employee wellness and engagement through benefits education and well-being programs.

• Administer and oversee the organization's 401(k) retirement plan, including eligibility, enrollments, employee contributions, employer matching programs, vendor relationships, annual compliance testing, and employee education.

• Coordinate with retirement plan advisors, third-party administrators, and vendors to maintain ERISA compliance and support employee retirement readiness.

• All other duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and move up to 25 lbs regularly.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Comfortable working in hot/cold environments (e.g., kitchen, walk-ins).