Benefits Manager

RS&H

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to own the enterprise benefits strategy and oversee the design, governance, and performance of the organization’s benefit, wellness, and retirement programs. This role ensures benefit offerings are market‑competitive, cost‑effective, compliant, and aligned with the company’s business strategy and Total Rewards philosophy. The Benefits Manager serves as a key advisor to HR and business leaders, leads a high‑performing benefits team, and drives complex initiatives, including annual renewals, open enrollment, vendor transitions, system enhancements, and audits. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on operational excellence and data‑driven decision-making.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Bring 10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience with deep expertise in benefits strategy and administration
Have demonstrated experience leading complex benefits initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders
Possess strong knowledge of benefits compliance and governance requirements, including ERISA, required notices, nondiscrimination testing, and audits
Demonstrate advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills for financial modeling and data analysis
Exhibit strong attention to detail and the ability to establish scalable processes and controls
Be capable of managing multiple complex initiatives in a fast‑paced environment
Demonstrate proven people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, and team development

Nice To Haves

HR professional certification
Professional services industry background
Experience supporting employer‑sponsored programs in an in‑house HR or Total Rewards function is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership for all benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement, disability, leave, wellness, and related offerings
Establish benefits program governance, success measures, and operating standards aligned to business objectives
Lead and develop a high‑performing benefits team, ensuring consistent, high‑quality service delivery
Design and execute the organization’s well-being strategy, including wellness, EAP, and time‑off‑related initiatives
Evaluate program effectiveness using utilization, engagement, and outcomes data
Set the benefits communication strategy and oversee the delivery of clear, compliant, and timely communications across the associate lifecycle
Lead change management for major program and system changes, ensuring leader readiness and consistent messaging
Own vendor governance across benefits, including vendor selection support, contracting coordination, service‑level expectations, and performance management
Resolve escalated vendor issues and drive root‑cause prevention
Lead annual renewals and open enrollment strategy end‑to-end, including plan design, contribution modeling, and leadership recommendations
Evaluate the total cost of benefits programs and identify cost‑containment opportunities while balancing affordability and employee experience
Own benefits compliance and risk management governance, including ERISA, ADA, HIPAA, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations
Oversee plan documentation governance, Form 5500 coordination, nondiscrimination testing, and audit readiness
Partner with Legal, Finance, HRIS, and vendors to ensure strong internal controls and regulatory compliance
Establish benefits analytics and reporting to inform strategy and measure impact
Develop and manage the benefits budget, including forecasting, accruals, and ongoing financial monitoring
Lead continuous improvement of benefits operations and systems, partnering with HRIS and IT on enhancements and data integrity
Support special projects aligned to the Total Rewards strategy and enterprise initiatives