Benefits & Wellness Manager (Hybrid)
About The Position
As the Benefits & Wellness Manager, this role guides Wake County’s comprehensive benefits and wellness strategy and ensures programs effectively support the wellbeing of a wide-ranging workforce. The position oversees a suite of self‑insured plans including medical, dental, pharmacy, disability, retirement, EAP, and an integrated leave program, along with the County’s nationally recognized holistic wellness program. The portfolio also includes oversight and alignment of leave and disability administration to ensure consistent, compliant, and employee‑centered practices. This leader directs high‑impact initiatives such as open enrollment, benefits renewals, system updates, regulatory compliance, and strategic plan design enhancements. The work centers on strengthening the employee experience, advancing operational efficiency, and ensuring programs remain competitive, cost‑effective, and responsive to organizational needs. Success in this role requires strong leadership capability, a deep understanding of complex benefits environments, and the ability to build productive relationships across the County. The manager brings clarity to intricate benefits issues, supports employees and leaders with accuracy and care, and contributes to shaping the long‑term vision for Wake County’s benefits philosophy.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
- Six years of experience in human resources administration, including at least two years of human resources management experience
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Expertise in benefits design, regulatory compliance, and leave and disability program administration
- Ability to lead teams collaboratively through change, develop staff capabilities, and leverage strong working relationships
- Skilled in analyzing complex data, identifying trends, and translating insights into operational improvements
- Strong communication abilities with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and responsiveness across audiences
- Demonstrated capability to lead large projects, manage competing priorities, navigate complex issues, and deliver reliable results
- Proven success in plan assessment, managing large budgets, building vendor partnerships, and improving service delivery
- Commitment to customer service, ethical decision making, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence
Nice To Haves
- Candidates who bring a blend of analytical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a strong customer‑service mindset will be especially successful in this role.
- Advanced degree in human resources, public administration, business, or a related discipline
- Professional HR certifications from HRCI, SHRM, IPMA, and/or WorldatWork
- Eight years of experience in employee benefits and leave administration
- Three or more years of experience managing contracts
- Experience overseeing a large benefits budget
- Experience with self‑insured plans
- Experience in public sector, healthcare, higher education, or similarly complex, regulated organizations
Responsibilities
- Managing daily operations of benefits and wellness programs to maintain reliable, high‑quality service
- Overseeing vendor contracts, addressing escalated concerns, and ensuring strong vendor performance
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant benefits laws and regulations
- Maintaining plan documents, required reporting, and participant communications
- Reviewing and reconciling benefits accounts and invoices to ensure accuracy
- Serving on the County’s Benefits Committee and recommending updates driven by data, market trends, and organizational needs
- Leading major system and program initiatives that strengthen program performance
- Developing communication strategies in partnership with vendors and Communications to support clear and accessible employee information
- Partnering with HR, Legal, Payroll, IT, and other departments to improve processes and ensure operational alignment
- Coaching, developing, and supporting staff, to foster engagement, performance, and growth
Benefits
- 5% 401(k) contribution
- Free access to the Employee Health Center
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
