Benefits Manager
About The Position
We are seeking an experienced Benefits Manager or Director to lead and stabilize employee benefits operations during a period of increased organizational demand and limited staffing. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role within a fast-paced, high-accountability environment . The benefits function is currently lean, and this role will require an individual who is comfortable stepping into a complex operation that needs immediate structure, ownership, and execution. Candidates should approach this opportunity eyes open : the culture is demanding, expectations are high, and success will require both strategic expertise and a strong willingness to operate in the details.
Requirements
- 7–12+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration
- Proven experience leading benefits programs in complex or high-growth environments
- Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience managing vendor relationships and benefit renewals
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively during periods of limited resources
- High ownership mentality and strong work ethic
- Ability to manage competing priorities with limited support
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- Strong communication skills with both employees and executive leadership
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building structure where little exists
Nice To Haves
- Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or highly operational environments
- Prior leadership of benefits teams or enterprise-scale programs
- Experience supporting large, multi-state employee populations
Responsibilities
- Own the full lifecycle of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits
- Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely administration of all benefits offerings
- Evaluate plan performance, utilization, and costs; recommend enhancements and cost-containment strategies
- Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and communication
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues and employee inquiries
- Manage vendor relationships, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators
- Oversee benefit audits, reconciliation processes, and carrier billing accuracy
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and IRS requirements
- Lead, mentor, and develop benefits staff as headcount allows
- Operate effectively in a short-staffed environment while building sustainable processes for long-term stability
- Establish clear workflows, documentation, and service standards
- Partner closely with HR leadership, payroll, finance, and legal teams
- Support workforce growth, high-volume hiring activity, and operational expansion
- Provide benefits guidance to leadership on workforce planning and employee experience initiatives
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
