Job Summary
The Manager of Human Resources, Benefits & Employee Relations is responsible for managing the Company's Human Resources operations under the direction of the Vice President, Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations. This position administers the Company's shoreside employee benefits programs, retiree health plan reimbursement program, employee leave administration, personal injury coordination, employee relations, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), employee engagement initiatives, and Human Resources compliance. The position also serves as the Human Resources liaison with Union to assist employees with benefit-related questions and coordinate benefit matters with the Union. This position supervises the Receptionist and coordinates employee appreciation programs, service and longevity awards, retiree recognition, Company events, employee communications, and social media initiatives. Working closely with the Vice President of Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations and the Payroll Department, this position ensures the accurate administration of employee benefits, leave programs, personnel transactions, retiree health reimbursements, payroll-related employee changes, and other Human Resources operations while promoting employee engagement and delivering exceptional customer service to employees.
Key Interactions
Company employees, executive leadership, senior client leadership, mariners, industry associations, and third-party vendors
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to communicate and exchange information professionally to perform essential job functions, including communicating with employees, managers, vendors, union representatives, and other business partners, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Adhere to all company policies and applicable regulations
- Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues, escalating when appropriate
- Demonstrate strong ethical conduct, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, professionalism, sound judgment, relationship building, and customer service skills in all interactions
- Demonstrated working knowledge and experience using ADP Workforce Now within the past six months
- Experience administering employee benefit programs, retiree benefit programs, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), leave administration, and employee recognition programs
- Experience assisting with departmental budget preparation and administration preferred
- Experience in a unionized environment is preferred
- Interpret and follow complex written and verbal instructions
- Learn and apply company policies procedures
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business and personnel information
- Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and service standards
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience with emphasis on benefits administration, Human Resources operations, employee relations, leave administration, payroll coordination, and employee engagement
- Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CEBS, or related Human Resources certification preferred
- Requires proficiency in standard business hardware and software, including Microsoft Office and web-based systems
- Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills
- Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, leave administration, payroll coordination, and Human Resources compliance
- Supervisory experience preferred
- Support departmental and organizational goals and objectives
- Thorough knowledge of Human Resources operations and employment practices.
- Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, and applicable federal and state employment laws
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following statements describe the principal responsibilities of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties assigned.
Human Resources Operations
- Administer and maintain the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring employee data integrity and timely personnel transactions
- Ensure compliance with Company policies, procedures, and Human Resources best practices.
- Maintain accurate employee records and confidential Human Resources documentation.
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and Company policies
- Manage the daily operations of Human Resources while providing exceptional customer service to employees and management
- Process employee status changes, organizational updates, personnel actions, and employment documentation
- Recommend and implement improvements to Human Resources policies, procedures, workflows, and operational efficiencies
- Utilize ADP Workforce Now to perform essential HR and payroll-related functions, maintain accurate employee records, and support day-to-day workforce administration
Employee Benefits Administration
- Administer the Company benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, voluntary benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), COBRA, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives
- Coordinate the annual Open Enrollment process, including employee communications, enrollment meetings, benefit education, and system administration
- Serve as the primary Human Resources contact for employee benefit eligibility, enrollment, life events, claims assistance, and benefit questions
- Partner with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators to ensure efficient administration of benefit programs
- Monitor benefit invoices and assist with reconciliation, reporting, and annual renewals
- Assist with annual benefits analysis and recommendations for plan specific improvements
Retiree Benefits Administration
- Administer the Company's retiree health plan reimbursement program.
- Verify retiree eligibility and process reimbursement requests in accordance with Company policy
- Coordinate retiree benefit communications and maintain accurate reimbursement records
- Work closely with Payroll and Finance to ensure timely reimbursement processing
- Serve as the primary contact for retiree benefit inquiries
Union Benefit Coordination
- Serve as the Human Resources liaison between the Union to assist with benefit questions
- Assist mariners with understanding available benefit programs and direct employees to the appropriate union representatives when necessary
- Coordinate with union representatives to resolve benefit-related issues while maintaining positive labor-management relationships
Leave Administration
- Administer employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, military leave, personal leave, bereavement leave, and other Company leave programs
- Coordinate leave requests, medical certifications, employee communications, return-to-work documentation, and compliance requirements
- Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate leave coding and payroll processing
Personal Injury Administration
- Coordinate the Company's personal injury administration program by working closely with employees, Risk Management, Payroll, medical providers, legal counsel, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators
- Maintain confidential claim documentation and employee communications
- Assist employees throughout the recovery process and coordinate return-to-work activities
- Coordinate payroll and benefit continuation related to employee injury claims
Employee Relations
- Assist managers and employees with interpretation and application of Company policies and procedures
- Provide guidance regarding employee relations matters, performance concerns, corrective action, attendance issues, and workplace conflict
- Support the Vice President with workplace investigations and employee relations initiatives
- Promote consistency, fairness, and professionalism in the administration of Company policies
Employee Engagement & Communications
- Coordinate employee appreciation events, service awards, longevity awards, retiree recognition programs, wellness initiatives, holiday celebrations, and Company-sponsored events
- Coordinate employee recognition programs that reinforce the Company's culture and values.
- Manage internal employee communications and company social media initiatives supporting recruiting employee engagement, recognition, and organizational culture
- Assist with employee surveys and engagement initiatives
Payroll Coordination
- Maintain a collaborative partnership with the Payroll Department to ensure timely and accurate processing of personnel actions affecting payroll
- Coordinate employee status changes, benefit deductions, leave administration, retiree reimbursements, and other payroll-related Human Resources activities
- Assist in resolving payroll discrepancies related to employee benefits and Human Resources transactions
Budget Administration
- Assist the Vice President of Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations with the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the Human Resources departmental budget
- Monitor expenditures related to employee benefits, recognition programs, Company events, departmental operations, and Human Resources initiatives
- Assist with vendor management and budget forecasting
Compliance & Reporting
- Assist with Human Resources audits, compliance reporting, and regulatory filings
- Prepare Human Resources metrics, benefit reports, employee analytics, and departmental reports for Executive Leadership
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable employment laws and regulations
- Ensure proper record retention and confidentiality of employee information
Other Responsibilities
- Supervise the Receptionist by providing coaching, work direction, performance evaluations, and professional development
- Participate in special projects and organizational initiatives
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred but not required with equivalent Human Resources experience
Required Licensure & Certifications
- Valid driver's license required if operating a company vehicle or traveling between company locations is an essential function of the position
Working Conditions
- Core work hours are generally 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work hours may reasonably vary based on business needs, meetings, employee-relations matters, operational requirements, or other business needs. Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or after-hours work may be required
- Occasional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, work-related events, or operational needs
- Work will be performed in the office and in the field environments
Special Projects
- Assist the management or executive team when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the department manager
- Completion of other duties as assigned by the department manager as they relate to the program and position
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
- Ability to maintain professional and effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and other business partners
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Continuous Improvement
- Customer Focus
- Initiative
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Organization
- Problem Solving
- Professionalism
- Relationship Building
- Teamwork
Essential Job-Related Physical & Mental Requirements (With or Without Reasonable Accommodation)
Physical:
- Ability to access company facilities, operational areas, or other work locations as needed to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to access company facilities as necessary to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and/or reach for items
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written communications
- Ability to handle, move, and manipulate office materials and equipment as necessary to perform assigned duties
- Ability to move throughout the office and operational locations as necessary to perform assigned duties
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move office materials, records, or equipment necessary to perform essential job functions
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and, when required by assigned duties, company vehicles or other equipment in accordance with applicable policies and training requirements with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related equipment
- Ability to push, pull, and/or squat
- Ability to read, prepare, and review written documents and electronic communications
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
Cognitive and Job-Related Requirements:
- Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound business decisions
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to perform essential job functions, including communicating safety information, operational requirements, and business-related documentation
- Ability to complete required training and maintain applicable certifications
- Ability to interact professionally, ethically, and respectfully with employees, customers, vendors, leadership, and the public
- Ability to exchange and understand information necessary to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality consistent with the essential functions and scheduled requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
- Ability to multitask and plan time efficiently
- Ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position with minimal supervision
- Ability to receive, understand, and respond appropriately to safety warnings, alarms, communications, and operational instructions, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to solve practical problems as they relate to the position
- Ability to understand and apply job-related policies, procedures, and instructions
- Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect
- Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
Worksite Environmental Conditions
- Ability to perform assigned responsibilities independently when required
- Ability to work closely with others
- Ability to work scheduled and occasional extended hours, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments as required by business need
- May be exposed to excessive noises
- May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
- May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and/or chemicals
- May be subjected to water and/or liquids
- May encounter stressful situations, difficult interactions, or emergency operational conditions
- Potential exposure to tobacco products
- Regular use of computers, telephones, printers, and other office equipment
- Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as business needs dictate.
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Individuals needing an accommodation during the application process or employment should contact Human Resources.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
