Benefits Manager

Job Summary

Kutak Rock LLP seeks a Benefits Manager to join its national Human Resource team. This role is responsible for implementing and managing the firm's employee benefits programs while ensuring that the benefits programs align with the Firm’s strategic objectives, attract and retain talent, and comply with all relevant regulations. The ideal candidate would be someone who enjoys creating process improvements while providing excellent customer service in a collaborative and collegial environment.

This full-time, hybrid position is available to candidates in close proximity in one of the following firm offices: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Fayetteville, AR; Irvine, CA; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; Kansas City, MO; Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Rogers, AR; Scottsdale, AZ; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; Tallahassee, FL; or Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, recommendations, and implementation of new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes for programs that include health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other related benefits
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators
• Maintain knowledge of trends, developments, best practices, and legal and regulatory changes in employer provided benefits
• Manage benefit enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships, and compliance testing
• Manage transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes
• Survey industry trends. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefits information
• Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management
• Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees
• Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions. Conduct benefits orientation sessions and ongoing education programs
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans

401(k)

• Oversee 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for various levels of employees and partners
• Educate and advise employees on regulatory requirements, tax implications, and administrative considerations of 401(k) plan
• Provide expert administration of qualified retirement plans
• Maintain quarterly and annual plan performance reports; compare performance with projected, targeted, and budgeted goals
• Serve as subject matter expert in developing and properly preparing compliance programs under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and other laws and regulations
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with plan recordkeeper, financial advisors, benefits brokers, and other service providers and vendors

Medical Benefits

• Allocate group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly
• Assist with plan audits
• Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessment

Employee Support Programs

• Manage and review employee support programs, which include family formation, employee assistance, wellness, and discount programs
• Review reimbursement requests and process according to firm guidelines
• Communicate with employees regarding reimbursement and usage requests
• Educate and advise employees on the requirements, tax implication, and other considerations of Flexible Spending Account Programs
• Provide recommendations on employee support programs with an understanding of market trends and employee feedback

QUALIFICATIONS: Skills and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of complex tax and benefits laws and regulations related to retirement planning and benefits
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain investment, compensation, and retirement packages to employees in a clear and concise manner
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits management software
• Project and team management/leadership skills and experience
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Ability to understand, evaluate, and make judgment on proposals (RFPs)
• Knowledge of benefits contract language and plan designs
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience

• High School degree (or equivalent) required, bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Accounting or related field preferred
• 7 years of related benefits or employee benefits and retirement administration experience
• Candidates with professional human resources or benefits administration certification (such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or CEBS) given preference

Position Information

Salary Range: $100,000-$138,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience

Position Status: Exempt

Workplace Type: Hybrid (3:2)

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Flexible Spending Plan. Health Savings Account. Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Retirement benefits. Discretionary bonuses. Nine Paid Holidays per calendar year. 1 hour of paid vacation leave accrued for every 16 hours worked. 1 hours of paid sick leave accrued for every 30 hours worked. Paid parental leave. Fertility coverage assistance. Adoption and surrogacy financial assistance. Bereavement, jury duty, military leave. Employee Assistance Program. Back-Up Care. Domestic Partner Benefits. Commuting Benefits. Technology Allowance. Tuition Reimbursement. Employee Referral Program. Some of the foregoing benefits include Employer/Employee cost sharing.

Additional Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

For California Applicants: Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).

About The Firm

Kutak Rock was formed in 1965 with a commitment to exceptional client service delivered with a collaborative, team-focused approach. Our founding charter commits the firm to “allow and encourage each individual within it to be a full person,” and we strive to offer an exceptional professional environment, intellectually challenging and engaging work in multiple disciplines, competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for training and career development. We are a leading national law firm with locations in 19 cities united by our common commitment to our core values of client service; integrity and fairness; innovation; and inclusiveness and diversity.

We are dedicated to the maintenance of a respectful, collegial, communicative, and equal opportunity workplace that encourages and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship. We measure our success not just on the basis of our revenues or our profits, but by the satisfaction we deliver for our clients and the health, engagement and loyalty of our people.