Benefits Manager

AKC•Raleigh, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Manager is a hands-on, individual contributor role within a small, collaborative HR team. This position serves as the subject-matter expert responsible for the design, administration, and ongoing management of all employee and retiree benefit programs for AKC and its Affiliates. With no direct reports, the role blends strategic partnership with day-to-day execution, working closely with benefit brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver competitive, compliant, and employee-focused benefit offerings. The Benefits Manager plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s objective of being an employer of choice while maintaining fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance. This is a Hybrid position in our Raleigh, NC office.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, workers’ compensation, COBRA, and leave administration.
In-depth knowledge of benefits-related compliance and regulatory requirements.
Experience working directly with brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefit concepts clearly and empathetically.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, presentations and reporting.
Experience with supporting multi-state benefit plans and employees.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting retiree benefits and pension plans preferred.
CEBS or other benefits-related certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Administers the day-to-day operations of all employee and retiree benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans (pension and 401(k)), workers’ compensation, COBRA, and leave administration.
Serves as the primary point of contact for employees, retirees, and eligible dependents regarding benefit questions, enrollment, eligibility, and issue resolution.
Partners with the organization’s benefits broker and vendors to design, evaluate, and manage benefit offerings that are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals.
Manages annual Open Enrollment, including system configuration and testing, employee communications, enrollment support, and post-enrollment audits.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA) and supports audits and required regulatory filings.
Coordinates benefit data and processes with Payroll, HR, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate and timely administration.
Monitors benefit costs, utilization, and trends; analyzes data and recommends plan improvements and cost-control strategies.
Develops and delivers clear benefit communications and educational resources, including new hire and Open Enrollment presentations.
Administers workers’ compensation and oversees the organization’s wellness program and related budget.
Maintains benefit documentation, reports, and records, and provides support during annual audits, 5500 & 990 reporting.
Provides support across the HR department as needed and assigned.