The Manager, Benefits position is responsible for designing, planning, implementing, and analyzing benefit programs (health and welfare plans - health care, retirement and disability plans), policies, practices, procedures, and costs: This includes negotiations of annual contract and renewals, investigating new benefit programs and improving existing programs and processes by reviewing stats, budgets, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the research, design, and execution of benefits programs, including health, retirement, wellness, and ancillary benefits to help us attract and retain the best talent
• Responsible for communications and resource materials for benefits orientations, annual enrollment, and plan resources, inclusive of required notices, summary of benefits and coverage, summary plan descriptions and other supporting documentation.
• Develop strategies to drive employee awareness and understanding of all benefit programs
• Responsible for the 401(k) recordkeeper/trustee relationship and outside auditors in administering the 401(k)plan.
• Manages benefit plan audit process including non-discrimination testing.
• Oversees ADA requests, FMLA and other leave of absence programs
• Responsible for management of selected vendors, brokers, and administrative partners in support of our benefits and wellness programs.
• Evaluates current and future benefits vendors to ensure that they are the right partner for United Utility - collaborating to execute on RFP, RFI and vendor contracts
• Prepares reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements. Monitors for changes and makes recommendations to management. Coordinates company benefits with government-sponsored programs.
• Provides expertise in building and/or improving core processes and internal controls to ensure data integrity and administration of all benefit programs and policies.
• Super user of the benefits portal, understanding how to leverage it to effectively administer benefit programs
• Prepares special reports as needed by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends
• Managing benefit records and ensuring the accurate reconciliation and timely payment of monthly vendor bills, and the preparation of benefits related reports.
• Works in collaboration with HR teams and leadership to provide high level service around benefit matters and escalated benefit questions or concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and work
• Minimum 5 years of benefits administration
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, reports, and correspondence
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills with an attention to detail
• Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, industry standard HRIS systems and benefit databases
• Knowledge of pertinent federal and state regulations, filings, and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including, ERISA, COBRA, ADA/ADAA, ACA, Medicare, HIPPA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), CEBS
• Project management skills and/or credentials, with the ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines