Manager, Benefits

Job Summary –This position plays a key role in managing plan performance, analysis and delivery of several plans and/or administrative arrangements of Health and Welfare suite of benefits as well as serving as a key participant in plan design, analysis and development of design recommendations, and administer several benefit programs including medical, dental, life insurance, LTD, AD&D, FSA, COBRA, vision plans and 401(k) and defined benefit plans.   Knowledge of laws concerning employee insurance coverage, and contract requirements to new and existing benefit plans; Knowledge of HIPAA regulations; Knowledge of Health & Welfare process; Manage Open Enrollment process company wide; Respond to & resolve insurance/claims problems; Develop RFP’s to insurance carriers & evaluate proposals for annual insurance renewals; Complete annual IRS 5500 reports on H&W, and Section 125 Plans; Manage disability and leaves of absence (FMLA) programs. General Functions –· Participate in the annual review of benefit and retirement plans.· Reconcile monthly insurance invoices.· Fringe rate analysis.· Review and analyze current benefits programs and make recommendations for changes. · Assist in the development of communication materials for programs in addition to the plan documents and summary plan descriptions (SPD’s). · Develops and updates Standard Operating Procedures for Benefits Department.· Respond to inquiries regarding insurance plans, including eligibility, procedures, etc.· Handle unusual problems and assist with claim issues.· Knowledge of employee benefits regulations and laws including COBRA, HIPPA and ERISA.· Manage relationships and carriers, brokers and vendors with a high degree of autonomy.· Assists with communicating and promoting the policies and programs to all levels of employees and management.· Champion innovative solutions and introduction of best practices/processes.· Manages the benefits information system (Ceridian).· Develops and implements special projects as assigned.This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the "essential functions" for purposes of the ADAExpected Areas of Competence (i.e. KSAs) –§ Maintain the confidentiality, sensitivity and security of information.  § Ability to be a self-starter who works well under pressure and meet deadlines.§ High level of organizational skill; able to effectively deal with multiple activities / priorities on a timely basis.§ Team player; approaches problems and conflicts professionally and constructively. Helps others succeed. Cooperates effectively.  Reliably meets commitments and accomplishes assignments on a timely basis.§ Action oriented; takes initiative to correct problems or make change for improvement without waiting for direction.  Seeks help when uncertain about appropriate action or information. Education Requirements –Qualified candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, or related field and have 3-5 years hands on experience managing all aspects of a large company’s comprehensive benefits program at the Corporate-level. CEBS designation a plus. Skill Requirements – Candidate will possess strong background in health and welfare benefits, organizing and analytical skills; strong customer-service orientation, the ability to manage multiple time critical priorities in a collaborative manner and excellent verbal and written communication. In addition, ability to facilitate change with Human Resource representatives and business partners. Experience managing a self-insured medical plan. Possesses thorough knowledge of computer applications including MS Office and Windows operating systems with strong emphasis on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook. Also, thorough knowledge of business English (including spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary). General knowledge of HRIS systems.  Travel Requirements – 5%, as required. Education: BachelorsJob Level: 3 - 5 yearsPercent Travel: 1-10%