Employee Relations Manager - Benefits

Scott County•Shakopee, MN

30d•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of the Employee Relations Management Team, the incumbent works independently for expert management and implementation of Employee Relations/Human Resources policy and procedures, programming, and operations. Incumbent works with the Director to provide leadership, guidance, support, and direction to staff, supervisors, managers, directors, and elected officials on a wide variety of human resource topics, issues, and practices. Oversees and provides program planning and direct supervision for staff in program areas assigned. Performs highly specialized and complex work in the application of state and federal employment law and serves as a subject matter expert on Employee Relations/Human Resources. We are seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to join our Team! This role leads the design, development, and administration of our countywide employee benefits program. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of employer insurance programs, strong analytical and vendor‑management capabilities, and the ability to coach, mentor, and collaborate across a complex public sector environment. This is an opportunity to contribute strategically, influence benefit and policy decisions, and serve as a subject matter expert who helps shape a positive employee experience.

Requirements

Equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree and six (6) years’ of professional level, increasingly responsible and in the realm of HR program administration, implementation, and development and staff oversight.
1 or more years’ experience managing HR programs or staff.
Professional experience should include experience administering employer insurance programs including Health, Dental, Life Insurance, FSAs, and Retiree/COBRA.

Nice To Haves

Facilitating active employee insurance committee or a self-funded plan
Experience in MN public sector HR
Experience in a benefit company providing consulting services to public sector agencies in MN
Workday experience

Responsibilities

Responsible for the management, design, development, implementation, and administration of a comprehensive employee benefits program in accordance with county strategy, policy, applicable labor contracts, federal and state laws and regulations, budget and resource allocations, and to address employee needs.
Leads and manages activities of the Employee Insurance Committee facilitating a labor/management committee for investigating benefit program and insurance topics.
Engages in utilization and benefit cost analysis with the help of a consultant to make recommendations for benefits program enhancements.
Develops and maintains relationships with vendors, consultants, and third-party administrators to ensure efficient benefits administration.
Manages annual renewal and open enrollment processes of health, dental, life, LTD, and STD insurance and other optional benefit programs.
Develops and evaluates Request for Proposal (RFPs) for plan design and purchase of employee and retiree benefit programs.
Reviews, creates, and updates summary plan descriptions, benefit contracts, and applicable policies to ensure accuracy of administration in plan documents.
Plans, develops, and implements Employee Relations programs, policies, and procedures consistent with HR best practices, state, and federal laws/regulations, county policies.
Work is done in support of business goals and objectives, working collaboratively with others promoting practices of empathy, respect, understanding, and active listening.
Oversees, supervises, and coordinates the work of other employees; hires, promotes, mentors, and trains employees.
Makes work assignments, directs work, evaluates performance, rewards, and disciplines.
Serves as coach and mentor to others addressing issues, providing policy and practice guidance, and providing training and education for program area implementation across a multi-disciplined organization.
Provides advice and counsel on people management issues; directs and guides ER department staff in their work on these matters.