Benefits Manager

Evonik•Piscataway, NJ

About The Position

Explore a world of opportunities with us. Look ahead with us and help shape innovative solutions to make our world more sustainable and life healthier, more vibrant and more comfortable. At Evonik, you have the chance to explore, thrive, and grow alongside 33,000 colleagues. Among attractive career paths and high-quality development programs, we not only offer performance-based remuneration and occupational health benefits but also hybrid and flexible working environments with #SmartWork. Bring your fresh perspective, develop your strengths, break out your mold, and find a career that fits your dreams with us. Click on the link below to learn what our employees have to say about Evonik: https://careers.evonik.com/en/about/meet-the-team/ Under the direction of the Director, Benefits Americas, the Benefits Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a variety of employee benefits for a large multi-state employer. In an individual contributor role, the Benefits Manager will work closely with the total rewards benefits and HR teams to ensure that all benefits programs are administered accurately and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree or CEBS certification preferred
10+ years of experience managing complex health, welfare, and retirement benefit plans in a multi-location, union-based U.S. company, strongly preferred
Proven ability to independently manage active/retiree benefits and both qualified and non-qualified retirement plans
Experience collaborating with internal stakeholders (Legal, Finance, CFO, Labor Relations) and external counsel to ensure compliance
Background working with benefits vendors, recordkeepers, consultants, and handling invoice processing
Strong proficiency with HRIS systems, data management, and file feeds to external vendors
Familiarity with ADP EV6 and Workday preferred for daily operations and issue resolution
In-depth knowledge of benefits-related laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, CMS, HHS, IRS, DOL) and strong communication/team collaboration skills

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day administration of U.S. benefits programs for employees and retirees (health, welfare, and retirement plans)
Oversee end-to-end benefits processes across internal systems and external vendors to ensure data accuracy and effective delivery
Lead annual enrollment and total rewards statements, including employee and stakeholder communication and education
Ensure compliance with federal regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, CMS, HHS, IRS, DOL) and manage required reporting
Handle Form 5500 filings, audits, and maintenance of plan documents (SPDs, amendments, notices, etc.)
Lead and support key benefits-related projects, including acquisitions and divestitures
Act as a primary contact for benefits service delivery, partnering with HRIT, payroll, and vendors to resolve data and system issues
Manage vendor relationships, including performance oversight, contracts, and invoicing
Analyze market trends and benchmark data to recommend competitive, cost-effective benefits strategies and support workforce retention