Benefits Manager

Savvas Learning Company

1d•$111,500 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Savvas Learning Company is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented Manager of Benefits to lead our benefits administration. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Total Rewards, you will play a pivotal role on our HR team, supporting approximately 1,600 employees across various locations in the United States and Canada. This is a high-visibility role that requires strong partnership with key internal stakeholders, including executive leadership, to align our benefits strategy with organizational goals. You will oversee the day-to-day administration of our comprehensive benefits programs, ensure strict compliance, and act as a trusted resource for both employees and corporate leaders. Occasional travel may be required to support onsite employee meetings, open enrollment events, or corporate initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration and management.
Extensive, high-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, VLOOKUPs, pivot tables).
Experience with a major HRIS (experience with Dayforce is highly preferred).
Deep understanding of US federal and state regulations governing health/welfare benefits and 401k plans (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA).
Ability to confidently interface with, influence, and present to executive leadership and senior stakeholders.
A natural "fact-finder" who can analyze complex benefit datasets, spot trends, utilize metrics to measure plan effectiveness, and drive data-backed solutions.
Exceptionally organized, deadline-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple shifting priorities and workstreams simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex benefits information directly, clearly, and empathetically to diverse workforces.
Self-directed problem-solver who can work independently, anticipate plan or compliance issues before they arise, and keep key stakeholders aligned.
Proven ability to effectively partner with, negotiate with, and hold third-party administrators, brokers, and carriers accountable.
Ability to smoothly navigate plan transitions, policy updates, and process improvements with minimal disruption to employee experience.

Nice To Haves

CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or CBP (Certified Benefits Professional) designation is a strong plus.
Experience managing benefits in Canada or a multi-national environment is a strong plus.
Willingness and ability to travel occasionally as required by business needs.

Responsibilities

Oversee all employee benefit programs, including health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, temporary disability, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and wellness initiatives.
Collaborate with key stakeholders and executive leadership to present benefits data, propose plan design changes, and ensure offerings support the company's talent retention and fiscal goals.
Design, execute, and lead comprehensive benefit communication strategies for 1,700 employees. Facilitate educational meetings, coordinate annual enrollment, and counsel employees and management on plan design.
Reconcile, track, and audit health and welfare benefit payments to ensure accuracy and establish robust documentation standards. Monitor external vendor performance against SLAs (Service Level Agreements).
Act as the primary Plan Administrator for the 401k program, managing contribution calculations, new comparability design, and ongoing reporting/filing requirements.
Drive mandatory compliance testing, annual additions, maximum deductible contribution determinations, and top-heavy testing for the 401k program.
Audit and validate the accuracy of enrollments, status changes, and benefits data flowing through the HRIS (Ceridian/Dayforce).
Partner with payroll and external vendors to quickly and independently resolve data errors or transmission issues.
Oversee and review federal, state, and provincial leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, parental, and military leave.
Maintain rigorous compliance with all governmental regulations related to labor laws and benefit programs (including ERISA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, and Canadian equivalents).
Educate, mentor, and guide HR colleagues to build their foundational knowledge of company benefits plans.
Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation pathway for complex benefits, disability, and FMLA inquiries.