Benefits Manager

RailPros•Irving, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and continuous improvement of the organization's health, welfare, retirement, and leave of absence programs across the United States while supporting the development and management of benefits relationships in Canada and Mexico. This role serves as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, retirement plan providers, and third-party vendors to ensure competitive, compliant, and employee-focused benefit offerings. The Benefits Manager partners closely with leadership to analyze market trends, evaluate program effectiveness, recommend enhancements, and implement benefit strategies that support employee well-being, retention, and organizational growth. The position oversees leave administration processes, manages vendor relationships supporting FMLA and other statutory leave programs.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of employee benefits regulations and compliance requirements
Understanding of retirement plan administration and fiduciary responsibilities
Knowledge of leave laws and accommodation processes
Strong analytical and financial acumen
Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills
Ability to evaluate market trends and develop strategic recommendations
Strong project management and organizational skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Advanced proficiency with HRIS, benefits systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools
Strong leadership, coaching, and relationship-building abilities
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or related field required
7+ years of progressive benefits administration experience
3+ years of experience managing health and welfare benefits programs
Experience managing 401(k) retirement plans and vendor relationships
Experience managing leave of absence programs
Experience managing benefits brokers, carriers, consultants, and external vendors
Experience supporting multi-state employers required
3+ years supervisory experience

Nice To Haves

CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or related certifications preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of U.S. health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs
Evaluate benefit programs annually to ensure competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with company objectives
Analyze utilization, enrollment, claims, and market data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
Develop recommendations for benefit plan changes, enhancements, and cost-containment initiatives
Lead annual benefits planning, renewal, and open enrollment processes
Serve as the primary point of contact for all U.S. benefits brokers, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with insurance carriers, retirement plan providers, and benefits vendors
Manage vendor performance through regular service reviews, audits, reporting, and contract evaluations
Partner with brokers and consultants to evaluate emerging benefit trends, legislative changes, and marketplace opportunities
Negotiate with vendors and carriers to secure favorable pricing, service levels, and plan designs
Establish and maintain relationships with benefit providers, brokers, consultants, and vendors in Canada and Mexico
Partner with local HR, payroll, and business leaders to support benefit program administration and compliance in each country
Evaluate opportunities to improve benefit offerings and employee experience across international operations
Stay informed on evolving benefits regulations and market practices in Canada and Mexico
Oversee company leave of absence programs
Partner with the organization's third-party leave administrator to ensure compliant and consistent administration of FMLA and related leave programs
Review leave metrics, trends, and vendor performance to drive continuous process improvements
Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding leave policies and procedures
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125 regulations, retirement plan regulations
Coordinate required filings, notices, audits, and plan documentation
Partner with legal counsel, brokers, and vendors regarding compliance matters and regulatory updates
Monitor legislative developments and recommend necessary updates to programs and policies
Develop and execute employee benefits communication strategies
Create and oversee educational materials, presentations, and resources that improve employee understanding and utilization of benefits programs
Support benefit-related training for managers and employees
Lead benefits communications during open enrollment and throughout the year
Directly supervise and develop a Benefits Administrator
Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations for the benefits team
Provide coaching, training, and professional development opportunities
Foster a high level of customer service and operational excellence within the benefits function
Utilize data analytics to support strategic decision-making and program enhancements
Prepare reports and presentations for leadership
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture, free from behaviors that undermine morale, productivity, or organizational values
Uphold the organization’s standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all duties and interactions
Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulation
Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee to family coverage.
Legal Shield, ID Shield, Pet Insurance: Added protection for you...and your pets.
Life & Disability Insurance: Employer provided coverage with additional voluntary options available.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match includes pre and post deduction options.
Paid Time Off (PTO): With carryover each year.
Paid Holidays: For full time employees.
Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives and resources.
Discount Programs: Exclusive discounts on products and services.
Company Merchandise Allowance: Company funded allowance for our online store.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA): With employer match.
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Employer funded.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent care expenses.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth.
Balanced Work Environment: A culture that respects boundaries so employees can recharge and bring their best selves to work.
Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education or professional development.
Professional & Career Growth: Through mentorship, continuous training, career path partnerships, goal setting, and succession planning.
Culture & Recognition: Employee spotlights, annual Service Excellence Awards, alignment committee, philanthropy opportunities, company events, monthly new hire calls, monthly newsletters, feedback surveys, and quarterly town halls.