Benefits Manager

Distro•Chandler, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits Manager oversees day-to-day operations of the Benefits Administration team while providing direct supervision, guidance, and support to ensure benefit processing is accurate, timely, and compliant. The role manages workloads and service levels, supports Benefits Specialists and Senior Benefits Specialists, and serves as an escalation point for complex benefit and payroll issues. It works closely with Payroll, Billing & Recon, Accounting, insurance carriers, leadership, and client-facing teams to resolve discrepancies and support effective benefits administration. The Benefits Manager reviews complex benefit transactions, supports audits and reconciliations, maintains benefits documentation and procedures, and assists with process improvements, training, and special projects. Regular on-site attendance is essential for secure system access, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, operational meetings, and hands-on activities that cannot be performed remotely without compromising security, efficiency, or effectiveness. The position is performed in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with typical lighting and low to moderate noise. Work involves regular computer and standard office-equipment use, extended screen time and sitting, in-person collaboration and meetings, and occasional standing and walking. Physical demands are primarily sedentary, with frequent keyboard and mouse use, occasional movement around the office, and minimal lifting.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience, including relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training; preferred.
Two to five years of managerial group benefit experience, or an equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education; preferred.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and build positive working relationships.
Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to collaborate with internal departments to support seamless operations and workflow coordination.
Strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork.
Sound decision-making skills, including evaluating complex information and determining appropriate actions.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally and discreetly.
Leadership skills, including the ability to train, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
Professionalism, reliability, and enthusiasm.
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to review printed documents for quality and accuracy.
Ability to read and analyze data on a computer screen and in printed materials, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.
Ability to troubleshoot client escalation or complaint issues, manage multiple tasks and projects under tight deadlines, and determine when to escalate concerns.
Ability to communicate sensitively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ability to prepare clear and concise written documentation, conduct presentations and employee training, and provide clear instructions and support to clients, employees, and managers.
Regular on-site attendance.

Responsibilities

Assist senior leadership with day-to-day management of the Benefits Administration team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing and service delivery.
Directly supervise and support Benefits Specialists and Senior Benefits Specialists through coaching, guidance, and performance feedback.
Monitor team workloads, zoom/client space queue coverage, and case volumes to meet service-level expectations.
Serve with senior leadership as an escalation point for complex employee and client benefit issues.
Review and approve complex benefit transactions, including qualifying life events, payroll deduction corrections, arrears calculations, and manual enrollments.
Provide hands-on team assistance during peak periods, escalations, or staffing gaps as needed.
Ensure benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, and employer contributions are processed accurately and in accordance with plan rules and company policies.
Partner with Payroll and Billing & Recon to resolve benefit-related payroll discrepancies and deduction issues.
Communicate with insurance carriers to resolve escalated plan or enrollment issues and support ongoing operations.
Oversee audits of benefit enrollments and payroll deductions, ensuring discrepancies are identified, documented, and resolved.
Assist in developing, maintaining, and consistently applying benefits-related SOPs, FAQs, and process documentation.
Identify process gaps, training needs, and operational improvement opportunities, and partner with leadership to implement solutions.
Provide operational guidance to client-facing teams on benefit administration processes.
Participate in benefits administration projects and initiatives as assigned.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with team members and peers across disciplines to coordinate communications and services affecting clients.
Attend webinars and training to stay current on company and department best practices.
Complete projects and other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
PTO, holidays, parental leave, and sick leave as provided under applicable state law.
Life insurance.
Short-term disability and long-term disability.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
Identity theft protection.
Critical illness, accident, cancer, and hospital protection.
Legal insurance.
Pet insurance.