Benefits Manager

Who We Are:

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed to solving our customers' challenges and earning their trust through teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence. As a people first organization, we prioritize the safety, well being, and growth of our employees, fostering a culture of caring and support. We believe that when our people thrive, our company thrives.

Our mission is to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, passengers, and partner companies. We do more than just provide services; we are constantly innovating and staying informed of industry developments to help our customers succeed. Join us in our shared goal of keeping America moving and ensuring customer satisfaction in an environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. Apply now and become a part of our exciting journey!

Job Summary:

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and continuous improvement of the organization's health, welfare, retirement, and leave of absence programs across the United States while supporting the development and management of benefits relationships in Canada and Mexico. This role serves as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, retirement plan providers, and third-party vendors to ensure competitive, compliant, and employee-focused benefit offerings.

The Benefits Manager partners closely with leadership to analyze market trends, evaluate program effectiveness, recommend enhancements, and implement benefit strategies that support employee well-being, retention, and organizational growth. The position oversees leave administration processes, manages vendor relationships supporting FMLA and other statutory leave programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of U.S. health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs
• Evaluate benefit programs annually to ensure competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with company objectives
• Analyze utilization, enrollment, claims, and market data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Develop recommendations for benefit plan changes, enhancements, and cost-containment initiatives
• Lead annual benefits planning, renewal, and open enrollment processes
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all U.S. benefits brokers, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, and benefits vendors
• Manage vendor performance through regular service reviews, audits, reporting, and contract evaluations
• Partner with brokers and consultants to evaluate emerging benefit trends, legislative changes, and marketplace opportunities
• Negotiate with vendors and carriers to secure favorable pricing, service levels, and plan designs
• Establish and maintain relationships with benefit providers, brokers, consultants, and vendors in Canada and Mexico
• Partner with local HR, payroll, and business leaders to support benefit program administration and compliance in each country
• Evaluate opportunities to improve benefit offerings and employee experience across international operations
• Stay informed on evolving benefits regulations and market practices in Canada and Mexico
• Oversee company leave of absence programs
• Partner with the organization's third-party leave administrator to ensure compliant and consistent administration of FMLA and related leave programs
• Review leave metrics, trends, and vendor performance to drive continuous process improvements
• Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding leave policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125 regulations, retirement plan regulations
• Coordinate required filings, notices, audits, and plan documentation
• Partner with legal counsel, brokers, and vendors regarding compliance matters and regulatory updates
• Monitor legislative developments and recommend necessary updates to programs and policies
• Develop and execute employee benefits communication strategies
• Create and oversee educational materials, presentations, and resources that improve employee understanding and utilization of benefits programs
• Support benefit-related training for managers and employees
• Lead benefits communications during open enrollment and throughout the year
• Directly supervise and develop a Benefits Administrator
• Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations for the benefits team
• Provide coaching, training, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a high level of customer service and operational excellence within the benefits function
• Utilize data analytics to support strategic decision-making and program enhancements
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadershipOccasional travel up to 15%
• Travel may include but not limited to RailPros office locations, broker or vendor meetings, leadership meetings, training and professional development programs or conferences
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture, free from behaviors that undermine morale, productivity, or organizational values
• Uphold the organization’s standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all duties and interactions
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulation
• Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs