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Job Overview

The Employee Benefits Manager is a key member of the Human Resources team, responsible for implementation, administration, and compliance of the company's health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs. This role requires an understanding of benefit regulations, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to effectively manage vendor relationships and employee inquiries. The Employee Benefits Manager will ensure that our benefits programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the company's overall talent strategy.

Job Responsibilities

+ Contribute to Benefits Strategy and Design

+ Support effort to evaluate current benefits programs and recommend improvements to ensure they remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with employee needs and industry best practices.

+ Research trends in benefits, legislation, and healthcare to identify opportunities for enhancement or cost savings.

+ Collaborate with HR leadership to develop and implement new benefit plans and modifications to existing plans.

+ Oversee Benefits Administration

+ Oversee the day-to-day administration of all health, welfare (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, etc.), and retirement (401(k), pension, etc.) plans.

+ Ensure accurate enrollment, eligibility verification, and claims processing.

+ Manage vendor relationships, including performance monitoring, contract negotiation, and issue resolution.

+ Maintain accurate employee benefits records and ensure data integrity.

+ Manage the annual open enrollment process, including communication materials, employee meetings, and system updates.

+ Ensure Effective Program Compliance and Reporting

+ Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and IRS guidelines

+ Support the preparation and filing of all required regulatory reports and filings (e.g., Form 5500, non-discrimination testing)

+ Develop and maintain comprehensive benefits documentation, including plan documents, summary plan descriptions (SPDs), and employee communications

+ Conduct regular audits of benefits programs and processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.

+ Manage Employee Education and Communication

+ Develop and deliver clear and effective communication materials to educate employees about their benefits options and changes.

+ Conduct employee meetings and presentations to explain benefits programs and address employee questions.

+ Oversee the team that serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries.

+ Develop and maintain internal resources (e.g., intranet pages, FAQs) to provide employees with easy access to benefits information.

+ Support Effective Financial Management

+ Support the benefits budget and expense tracking process.

+ Monitor process for vendor invoices including reconciliation of benefit statements.

+ Assist with the development of cost-saving strategies and initiatives.

+ Lead and Develop Benefits Team:

+ Recruit, hire, supervise, coach, and mentor Total Rewards Analysts, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented work environment, and providing ongoing professional development.

+ Conduct continuous coaching conversations, delegate tasks effectively, monitor team workload, and adjust staffing levels to maximize team productivity, efficiency, and adherence to service level agreements.

+ Resolve escalated employee benefits issues, provide exceptional customer service, facilitate regular team meetings, and communicate updates and challenges effectively.

+ Other duties as assigned by your manager.

Required Education and Experience

+ Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or a related field.

+ 5 years of experience in benefits administration and management.

+ Strong knowledge of federal and state benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, etc.)

+ Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems (e.g., Benefitfocus, SuccessFactors)

+ Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

+ Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

+ Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Education and Experience

+ 8 to 12 years of experience in benefits administration and management.

+ Professional certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.

+ Experience with self-insured health plans.

+ Experience in manufacturing industry.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in an office setting, with some time spent in a manufacturing environment

• Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35ºF to 100ºF; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.

• Travel is necessary, potentially up to 50% for individual site schedule.

EEOC & Disclaimer

Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.