Senior Benefits Manager

Morton Salt is an iconic company with a strong heritage and a bright future. Since 1848, we have been improving lives and enhancing everyday moments - at home, at work and virtually everywhere in between. We help unlock the flavors in food, make roads and sidewalks safer, improve the water in baths, pools, and homes, and keep businesses and industries running. We are a dedicated team who constantly strives to do better together, and we are passionate about building a sustainable future for our company, the communities in which we operate, and the world around us. By joining our team, you will contribute to producing and delivering every form of salt that enhances everyday life.

Job Summary

The jobholder is responsible for the strategy, design, administration, and compliance of employee benefit plans including health and welfare, retirement and savings, wellness and other benefit programs for U.S., Bahamas, and Canada. This includes bargained and non-bargained employee programs. Manages program development and execution to ensure the company provides benefits which attract and retain employees, while ensuring compliance and cost-effective management. Serves as the primary contact for all employees regarding benefit plan inquiries, and advises staff in the proper communication and administration of plan policies. Collaborates with HR leadership and third-party administrators in the development, communication and presentation of benefit programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner in the development, execution and communication of benefit programs. Research, analyze, prepare recommendations for approval and implement new health and welfare initiatives to enhance the overall competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the benefit packages.
• Support the company's strategic objectives and keep senior management apprised of internal and external issues.
• Based on industry experience, stakeholder feedback, and knowledge of best practices, create the annual benefit program packages consisting of recommendations to senior management for plan design.
• Manage the administration of the company's benefit plans and programs in accordance with plan documents, insurance contracts, vendor agreements and applicable federal, state and local regulations.
• Ensure all mandatory federal and state reports and filings are completely accurately and on a timely basis and required communications (e.g., required DOL and ERISA reporting and communications are prepared and distributed to participants and beneficiaries as required.
• Manage the 401(k) plan and pension plans.
• Prepare data / reports for non-discrimination testing, surveys, data transmissions, claims analysis, reports and special requests.
• Vendor management - establish and maintain effective relationship with benefits vendors to ensure performance is maintained or exceeded. Work with vendors to ensure the company is exploiting available technology to streamline and automate otherwise manual processes wherever possible.
• Process Improvement and Documentation - Improve operations and streamline work processes.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process including developing communications and ensuring renewal changes are reflected in enrollment materials, Summary Plan Descriptions, etc.
• Partner with third party enrollment provider in updating online platform for the implementation of new plan years and conduct system testing.
• Collaborate with Payroll and HRIS in the administration of benefits data.
• Partner with Director of Total Rewards to develop and manage annual benefits budget and track monthly expenses. Monitor costs and effectiveness of benefit programs, identifying opportunities to contain or reduce costs.
• Oversee vendors who process COBRA notification and serves as liaison between the company and TPA of the leave of absence processes, providing counsel to management and staff regarding federal law and policies and procedures.
• Complete annual audits and assist in the completion of regulatory reporting and filings (such as Forms 5500, etc.)
• Support statutory compliance with PPACA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA and HIPAA programs.
• Ensure maintenance of data entry of employee benefit elections and dependent information.
• Oversee benefit invoice reconciliation processing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

At Morton Salt, we work best when we work as a team, when we treat one another with dignity and respect, and value the unique contributions of others. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, sex, religion, color, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.