Benefits & Time Off: As a full-time position, Company benefits are offered in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), state and federal law, and Company policies. These benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and 401k.
Full-time employees are eligible to receive paid time off (PTO) benefits based on the Company’s current paid time off policies and in accordance with applicable state law. Further, Colorado residents are eligible for Paid Sick and Safety Leave, per applicable state law provisions and Company policy. All benefits are subject to any plan changes at the Company’s sole discretion.
Compensation: this position will be paid on a salaried basis with a pay range between $75,000 and $85,000 annually depending on prior experience. This base pay is subject to all applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings as required by law. This base pay is also subject to any authorized deductions to contribute toward the employee’s portion of benefits premiums and/or 401(k) contributions.
Job Summary:
Under general direction, the U.S. Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the company's employee benefits programs. This role oversees the day-to-day management of health and welfare plans, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, communication, and related benefits operations while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
The Benefits Manager serves as a key advisor to the Vice President of Global Benefits, employees, vendors, and business partners regarding benefits strategy, program design, compliance requirements, and employee experience. This role analyzes benefit plan performance, identifies opportunities for enhancement, manages vendor relationships, and leads benefits-related projects and initiatives. The U.S. Benefits Manager relies on extensive knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations, industry best practices, and benefits administration processes to achieve organizational objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Benefits Strategy and Administration
- Manage and oversee all company-sponsored benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and wellness initiatives
- Evaluate benefit plan effectiveness and recommend improvements to support organizational goals and employee needs
- Prepare annual benefits planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities
- Develop, implement, and maintain benefits policies, procedures, and operational controls
Data Management and Systems Oversight
- Oversee benefits-related administration within enrollment, payroll, HRIS, retirement, and timekeeping systems
- Ensure data integrity across all benefits-related databases and reporting platforms
- Partner with the Person Office, Payroll, Finance, Business Intelligence and vendors to resolve system and data discrepancies
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. regulation governing U.S. Benefits plans including but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, Section 125, FMLA, USERRA, QMCSO, SECURE 2.0 and other applicable federal and state regulations
- Manage plan audits, regulatory filings, nondiscrimination testing, and compliance reporting requirements
- Monitor legislative changes and recommend organizational actions to maintain compliance
Vendor and Partner Management
- Manage relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators
- Conduct vendor performance evaluations and participate in vendor selection, contract negotiations, and renewal processes
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues
Employee Communication and Education
- Develop and execute benefits communication strategies to improve employee understanding and engagement
- Provide guidance and consultation to employees and managers regarding benefits eligibility, coverage, claims issues, and plan provisions
- Lead employee education initiatives and benefits training programs
Open Enrollment and Program Management
- Lead annual open enrollment planning, implementation, communication, and execution activities
- Manage Evidence of Insurability, dependent verification, and other benefits eligibility processes
- Oversee employee well-being programs and initiatives
Reporting and Analytics
- Prepare and analyze benefits utilization, participation, cost, and compliance reports
- Present recommendations and findings to the Vice President of Global Benefits to support strategic decision-making
- Monitor industry trends and benefits programs against market practices
Leadership and Project Management
- Lead benefits-related projects, process improvements, and system implementations
- Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to benefit team members as applicable
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to improve operational effectiveness and employee experience
- Adhere to company guidelines and policies
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Areas of Expertise (Skills)
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems
- Strong vendor management and relationship-building skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex benefits regulations and policies
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration or benefits management
- 2+ years of experience managing benefits programs, projects, vendors, or team members
- Demonstrated experience with U.S. employee benefit plans and compliance requirements
- Experience analyzing benefits data and developing recommendations based on findings
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of benefits administration and management experience
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related certification
- Advanced knowledge of U.S. Benefits regulations
- Experience with SAP and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Payroll
- Experience supporting multi-state or global employee populations
Competencies
Organizational Development
Ability to partner with leadership and stakeholders to identify organizational needs, evaluate benefits strategies, and implement solutions that improve employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Employee Relations
Ability to understand and apply knowledge of Employee Relations principles, federal and state benefits laws, compliance requirements, and company policies while supporting employees and management.
Benefits Leadership and Management
Ability to strategically plan, direct, administer, evaluate, and continuously improve the company's benefits programs while ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness, and employee satisfaction.
Communication
Ability to effectively communicate complex benefits information to employees, leadership, vendors, and business partners through various methods of communication.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to analyze trends, assess risks, identify opportunities, and develop recommendations that align benefits programs with organizational objectives.
Project Management
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage competing priorities, and successfully implement benefits-related projects and process improvements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT We are an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), marital status, ancestry, status as a covered veteran, uniformed servicemember status and any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Benefits administration: 5 years (Required)
- Management: 2 years (Preferred)
Location:
Work Location: Remote
