Benefits Program Manager (Hybrid - Part Time 20hrs/wk)

National Guardian Life Insurance Company•Madison, WI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefits Program Manager is responsible for the oversight, administration and compliance of all NGL's employee benefits, retirement and wellness programs, ensuring NGL's benefits are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with federal and state regulations. This position collaborates closely within Human Resources, Payroll and external vendors to design, implement, and maintain an effective benefits strategy.

Requirements

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with NGL employees, management, retirees, and third-party vendors
Proven hands-on experience and broad knowledge of employee benefits
Knowledgeable of Medicare, medical supplement plans, and pension plans
Knowledge of ERISA, ACA and HIPAA regulations
Ability to read, understand and interpret benefit plan documents
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, and retirees through the use of tact and good judgment, responsiveness and follow-through
Ability to demonstrate initiative and sound judgement
Must be able to maintain confidentiality at all times
Effective and thorough research, analytical, and problem solving skills
Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex, deadline-driven processes and projects
Experience working with HRIS, benefits administration, payroll and electronic record systems
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) required
A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in benefits administration with direct knowledge of retirement plans and benefits compliance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or other relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of new initiatives to establish competitive and cost-effective benefits programs.
Develop a competitive benefits strategy that attracts and retains top talent.
Direct planning with brokers on benefits design, new initiatives, presentations, and communications.
Forecast benefit costs, analyze utilization data, and advise senior leadership on benefits improvements, additions, issues, and transitions.
Oversee the annual benefit plan renewal activities and support open enrollment.
Develop policies and procedures for benefit and welfare program administration.
Responsible for escalated and complex benefits issues.
Monitor COBRA program while staying current on COBRA and HIPAA regulations.
Partner with Payroll on ACA requirements to ensure compliance with regulations.
Ensure timely and accurate completion of compliance testing.
Oversee the operational effectiveness of benefit administration, retirement programs, operations, company policies, data accuracy and overarching compliance.
Ensure compliance with federal, state laws, ERISA, the NGL Board Resolutions Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Join quarterly EBAC (Employee Benefits Advisory Committee) meetings and collaborate with internal and external counsel on amendments and restatements to plan documents.
Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions as needed.
Manage relationships with third-party administrators, auditors and benefits consultants.
Administer and oversee retirement programs, including 401(k) and pension plans.
Ensure proper plan operations in accordance with plan documents and regulatory requirements.
Monitor plan performance and partner with administrator on plan enhancements.
Manage annual 401(k) and pension plan audits, including preparation of audits and responses to auditor requests.
Oversee retirement compliance testing, including 401(k) nondiscrimination testing (NDT).