Human Resources Manager - Benefits
About The Position
The Human Resources Manager leads the strategy and day-to-day operations of Ramsey County’s employee and retiree benefit programs. The role ensures programs are competitive, equitable, fiscally responsible, and aligned with organizational goals, and oversees a team of six. Areas of oversight include benefits administration, vendor partnerships, data and analytics, communications, and service delivery for employees, retirees, and their families. The position leads a designated Human Resources function and provides senior-level professional human resources services to county leadership, service teams, departments, employees, and retirees. It advances a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace and performs related duties as assigned. This position is designated flex-work eligible. The employee may choose full-time in-office work or a flex schedule with at least two days per week in the office and other days in a remote-first environment. On-site responsibilities and schedule flexibility beyond the policy minimum may be required. Regular attendance according to the management-approved work schedule is required. Applicants must submit an online application, resume, and cover letter detailing relevant experience. This classified managerial position is exempt from examination and certification requirements; qualified applicants are forwarded to the department for consideration. Employment offers are conditioned on passing a criminal background check. Ramsey County participates in E-Verify.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Psychology, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related area.
- Five years of progressive, professional-level human resources or related experience emphasizing the assigned area, including at least two years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be substituted.
- Regular attendance according to the management-approved work schedule is required.
- Applicants must submit an online application, resume, and cover letter detailing relevant experience.
- Employment offers are conditioned on passing a criminal background check.
Responsibilities
- Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
- Lead the Benefits division, establish priorities and performance expectations using continuous improvement practices, and administer the budget within public-sector fiscal constraints.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive benefits strategy that advances equity, operational efficiency, and fiscal responsibility while maximizing Total Rewards value.
- Lead annual open enrollment, including planning, communications, employee education, implementation, and updates to benefit materials and systems.
- Manage the design, administration, and communication of employee and retiree benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement coordination, wellness initiatives, voluntary benefits, and related service delivery.
- Procure and manage group insurance contracts, including developing RFP specifications, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with county procurement and legal requirements.
- Manage vendor relationships and monitor performance, pricing, quality, and compliance; resolve issues involving carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
- Develop clear, accessible benefits communications and education materials to strengthen employee understanding and engagement.
- Analyze benefits utilization, cost trends, actuarial assumptions, workforce demographics, and service metrics; prepare dashboards and reports to inform budgeting, policy, and strategic planning.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, IRS regulations, ERISA as applicable, and Minnesota statutes; oversee audits, actuarial reviews, filings, and required reporting.
- Maintain and improve benefits policies and procedures, monitor legislative and market changes, partner with consultants and county stakeholders, and serve as the escalation point for complex benefits issues.
- Perform related duties as assigned and maintain regular attendance according to the management-approved work schedule.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package (specific benefits are not listed).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
