Benefits Manager

Distro•Chandler, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Manager maintains direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of the Benefits Administration team and provides supervision, guidance, and support to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant benefit processing. The role manages team workloads and service levels, serves as an escalation point for complex benefit and payroll issues, and partners with Payroll, Accounting, insurance carriers, and other teams to resolve discrepancies. The manager reviews complex benefit transactions, supports audits and reconciliations, maintains benefits documentation and procedures, and assists with process improvements and special projects to support efficient administration and high-quality client and employee service. Regular on-site attendance is an essential job function because the role requires secure system access, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, participation in operational meetings, and hands-on work that cannot be performed remotely without compromising security, efficiency, or effectiveness. The position is performed in a professional, climate-controlled office with typical lighting and low to moderate noise. It involves regular computer and standard office equipment use, extended screen time, in-person collaboration, and meetings.

Requirements

Associate degree or an equivalent combination of managerial group benefit experience, skills, and education, including relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training programs; 2–5 years is specified as the preferred experience range.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and build positive working relationships.
Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to collaborate with internal departments to support seamless operations and workflow coordination.
Strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork.
Sound decision-making skills, including evaluating complex information and determining appropriate actions.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally and discreetly.
Leadership skills, including the ability to train, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
Professionalism, reliability, and enthusiasm.
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to review printed documents for quality and accuracy.
Ability to sit for extended periods and use a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment frequently.
Ability to walk through the office occasionally and handle documents or lift light office supplies.
Ability to read and analyze data on a computer screen and printed materials, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects, troubleshoot client escalations, make appropriate escalation decisions, and handle stressful situations calmly.
Ability to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds with awareness and sensitivity.
Ability to prepare clear and concise written documentation, including emails and notes, and to provide verbal instructions, client support, presentations, and employee training.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or equivalent combination of 2–5 years of managerial group benefit experience, skills, and education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist senior leadership in managing day-to-day Benefits Administration team operations to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant benefit processing and service delivery.
Directly supervise and support Benefits Specialists and Senior Benefits Specialists through coaching, guidance, and performance feedback.
Monitor team workloads, zoom/client space queue coverage, and case volumes to meet service-level expectations.
Serve, along with senior leadership, as an escalation point for complex employee and client benefit issues requiring advanced review or coordination.
Review and approve complex benefit transactions, including qualifying life events, payroll deduction corrections, arrears calculations, and manual enrollments.
Provide hands-on assistance during peak periods, escalations, or staffing gaps as needed.
Ensure benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, and employer contributions are processed accurately and in accordance with plan rules and company policies.
Partner with Payroll and Billing & Recon to resolve benefit-related payroll discrepancies and deduction issues.
Communicate with insurance carriers to resolve escalated plan or enrollment issues and support ongoing operations.
Oversee audits of benefit enrollments and payroll deductions and ensure discrepancies are identified, documented, and resolved.
Assist in developing, maintaining, and consistently applying benefits-related SOPs, FAQs, and process documentation.
Identify process gaps, training needs, and operational improvement opportunities, and partner with leadership to implement solutions.
Provide operational guidance and clarification on benefits administration processes to client-facing teams.
Participate in benefits administration special projects and initiatives as assigned.
Build and maintain relationships with team members and peers across disciplines to coordinate communications and services affecting clients.
Attend webinars and training to stay current on company and department best practices.
Complete projects and other duties assigned by the supervisor.