Benefits Manager, AMER

The Health & Welfare Benefits Manager will be responsible for implementing and managing benefits programs that align with the company's overall business strategy. This individual will partner with HR leadership, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure the smooth administration of benefits programs, compliance with all applicable regulations, and effective change management. This role requires a strategic approach to operations, fostering strong partnerships, and leading change initiatives within the benefits landscape. As part of maintaining benefit program operational excellence, this role will manage a team of analysts who adhere to the administration SLAs set by this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and administer comprehensive benefits programs, with a focus on health and welfare programs and the AMER region
• Lead and develop a team of benefits analysts, providing coaching, mentorship, and day-to-day operational direction.
• The team will be responsible for the ongoing administration of AMER benefit programs including payments, systems
• Manage vendor relationships, including contract negotiation, performance evaluation, and acting as liaison for issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to benefits administration.
• Conduct regular audits of benefits programs to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.
• Drive operational excellence in employee support, ticketing, enrollment, termination, and employee self-service tools.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex employee issues regarding benefits; provide expert guidance and resolution for escalated inquiries.
• Oversee annual renewals, open enrollment processes, configuration in HRIS systems (e.g., Workday), and implementation of new benefit plans.
• Analyze trends in benefits and make recommendations for program enhancements and modifications.
• Prepare, manage, and track budgets and invoices related to all health and welfare programs, including the management of our self-insured plans.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in benefits administration, experience in US benefits is a must
• Experience managing self-insured medical plans is a must
• Experience adhering to benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA.
• Experience managing vendor relationships
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday)