Benefits Manager

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Compensation and Benefits, the Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily administration of employee benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement, leave of absences, and other employee benefit offerings. This position will support programs across three sites located in California, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Job Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration:
  • Provide day-to-day support of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, and other ancillary programs.
  • Reconcile and process monthly billing for all insurance programs.
  • Collaborate with third-party vendors and insurance providers to manage benefits enrollment, claims processing, and compliance.
  • Administer benefits open enrollment, ensuring clear communication and smooth enrollment processes for all employees.
• Leave of Absences (LOA) Management:
  • Administer and manage all types of leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD) and personal leaves.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant federal, state, and local leave regulations, including FMLA, ADA, and applicable state-specific laws.
  • Track and monitor employee leave balances and return-to-work status, coordinating with HR and department managers to ensure smooth transitions for employees on leave.
  • Develop and maintain records of all leave requests and their status, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of employee data.
  • Advise management on employee leave-related issues, including staffing implications and accommodations, while ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Compliance & Reporting:
  • Ensure company benefits programs comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable laws.
  • Prepare and file required benefits-related reports, including annual compliance filings, audits, and plan document updates.
  • Maintain accurate records of employee benefits enrollment, elections, and other benefits-related documentation.
• Vendor Management:
  • Manage relationships with benefits brokers, consultants, and vendors to ensure the effectiveness benefit program delivery.
  • Monitor and evaluate vendor performance, evaluate current systems and work on program improvements.
• Employee Advocacy:
  • Act as a liaison between employees and benefits providers to resolve issues and ensure a smooth benefits experience.
  • Provide employees with information and guidance on claims, coverage options, and benefits changes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in benefits administration or human resources, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with benefits software and tools is preferred.
  • Experience managing leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, etc.) is essential.
  • Previous experience supporting locations in California required
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong knowledge of benefits programs, leave of absence regulations, and industry trends including California specific laws.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of legislation that may affect benefits policies/practices including ACA, ERISA, FLSA, ADA, COBRA and other applicable DOL tax laws and regulations.
  • Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex benefits and leave-related topics in a clear, easy-to-understand manner.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and benefits management software.

Preferred Qualifications??

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or similar certifications.