Employee Benefits Manager
An employee benefits manager is responsible for designing, negotiating, and managing benefits programs for employees, which includes health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Employee Benefits Manager
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Employee Benefits Manager will be responsible for overseeing and administering the company's employee benefits program. The candidate will ensure that the benefits programs support the attraction and retention of talent, are competitive, cost-effective, and comply with legal requirements.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
- Project management and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- Knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Responsibilities
- Administer various employee benefits programs, such as group health, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness benefits.
- Conduct benefits orientations and explain benefits self-enrollment systems to new and current employees.
- Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations and ensure timeliness and accuracy of required filings.
- Collaborate with insurance brokers and benefits carriers, and manage the enrollment, renewal, and distribution processes.
- Maintain employee benefits data in human resource information systems and ensure that systems are updated accurately in relation to benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations.
- Assist employees with health, dental, life, and other related benefit claims.
- Recommend improvements to employee benefits programs, including new benefits aimed at employee satisfaction and retention.
- Handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are looking for a knowledgeable Employee Benefits Manager to plan and direct the operations of our benefits programs. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and administering employee benefits programs such as retirement plans, leave policies, wellness programs, and insurance policies. You will also ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, analyze benefits trends, and manage benefits vendors.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Proficient in HRIS and benefits software.
- Ability to negotiate and work with external vendors.
- Detail-oriented with a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in benefits administration or a related HR function.
- Strong working knowledge of benefits legislation and compliance requirements.
- Certification as a benefits professional (e.g., CEBS) is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement benefits programs and initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements affecting employee benefits.
- Coordinate with benefits vendors and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-efficiency.
- Communicate and explain benefits policies and procedures to employees.
- Manage enrollment, renewal, and delivery of employee benefits programs.
- Analyze benefits trends and data to inform decision-making and improvements.
- Assist with resolving benefits-related issues and disputes.
- Collaborate with HR teams and financial departments to align benefits with organizational goals.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Employee Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and administering the employees' benefits programs within an organization. This senior role requires a deep understanding of various benefits plans, compliance with legal requirements, and a strong focus on optimizing employee benefits while managing costs. The ideal candidate will have a track record of developing and implementing benefits programs that attract and retain talent, and improve employee satisfaction.
Required Skills
- Benefits administration
- Compliance management
- Contract negotiation
- HRIS proficiency
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Analytical thinking
- Effective communication
- Vendor management
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in benefits administration or related field.
- Strong understanding of all types of employee benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and wellness programs.
- Knowledge of benefits contract language, benefits law, and compliance requirements (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, ACA).
- Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems.
- Proven ability to manage and negotiate with vendors and service providers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
- Design and manage all employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other ancillary benefits.
- Negotiate with vendors and service providers for cost-effective benefits packages.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
- Analyze benefits trends and industry benchmarks to ensure competitive benefits offerings.
- Collaborate with HR and finance to forecast and budget for benefits costs.
- Communicate benefits information to employees through presentations, individual counseling, and plan documentation.
- Resolve employee issues with benefits providers and handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, efficient resolution.
- Oversee the maintenance of employee benefits records and ensure that employee data is accurate and up to date.
- Lead open enrollment periods and ensure employees receive accurate information regarding their benefits options.
- Work with HRIS and payroll to ensure accurate and seamless benefits administration.
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