Benefits Manager

Helzberg Diamonds Headquarters•North Kansas City, MO

49d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Resource Department supports the people needs of Helzberg. Human Resources' primary mission is to attract and retain knowledgeable, professional and customer-centric associates who are highly engaged in business processes and work together in the spirit of family. The department is a collaborative team of professionals dedicated to creating strong partnerships with our internal customers to maximize the potential of our greatest asset - our people. We accomplish this by providing services, support, and guidance in the areas of Associate Relations, Benefits, Compensation, Human Resources Field Operations, Performance Management, Recruiting, Organizational Development and Assessment. POSITION SUMMARY: The Benefits Manager plans, develops, implements and administers the organization's benefit programs to meet workforce needs, provide the best benefit plans for the company's investment, allow the company to be competitive in recruiting and retaining top-performing associates, and to meet federal regulations and fiduciary responsibilities. This position develops and maintains working relationships with outside vendors/service providers to implement benefit programs and resolve customer service issues. The position will work closely with Finance to monitor budgeted expenses and make adjustments as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or related area is required. CBP, PHR or SPHR preferred.
Five to seven years of Benefits experience to include experience with self-funded benefit plans, 401K plans, and ancillary benefit plans is required.
Previous supervisory experience preferred.
Knowledge of ERISA, qualified and non-qualified benefit plans, health and welfare plans, HIPAA, 401(k) non-discrimination testing, and related IRS and DOL regulations required.
Commitment to protect the confidentiality of associate and company information required.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills required.
Strong decision making, analytical, problem-solving and negotiation skills required.
Advanced Database, HRIS, and Microsoft Office skills required, along with knowledge of report-writing tools. Workday experience preferred.
Strong communication skills with ability to interact, influence and align with all levels of the organization, both internal and external effectively.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects at a time, prioritizing workload effectively.
Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers, operation or manipulation of equipment and/or materials located only on site, and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.

Responsibilities

Manage all corporate benefit programs including plan design and administration, cost management, vendor and consultant management. Seek benefits that best match workforce needs and serve as retention tool for our Associates.
Stay informed of regulatory changes to ensure plan compliance. Inform DVP of upcoming regulatory changes and plans for implementation.
Keep abreast of changes in the industry in order to make plan enhancements aligned with the organization's culture and are competitive for recruiting and retaining quality associates.
Maintain benefits plans and processes in HRIS system, including system setup and configuration.
Develop and run reports as needed to support budgeting, billing and eligibility audits. Do data analysis as needed for cost projections.
Manage Associate benefit communications so that Associates have access to comprehensive, accurate information that meets federal regulations, while leveraging the variety of communication channels that are available. Ensure required communications are provided in an accurate, timely manner.
Ensure Plan Documents and Summary Plan Descriptions are updated and accessible via electronic and/or written media; make necessary amendments as needed.
Complete annual benefit budget and update budget forecasts throughout the year, monitor expenses, and identify cost-effective alternatives when possible. Review benefit plans regularly for cost/benefit analysis.
Prepare reports for annual non-discrimination testing and assist with annual audits (internal and external).
Partner with vendors to prepare and file annual form 5500 for both the health plans and 401K savings plan.
Ensure that Associates benefit inquiries are addressed promptly and courteously. Manage the solution of associate benefit problems within plan document guidelines and regulations to ensure compliance.
Accomplish department objectives by directing and monitoring the work progress of direct report.
Provide coaching and guidance to direct report.
Set expectations, annual goals and provide required quarterly touch base meetings with direct report.