Manager, Benefits & Payroll

Associated Grocers of New England•Pembroke, NH

About The Position

Manage employee benefits programs, including 401(k) administration, employee assistance programs, health, wellness, leave administration, and voluntary benefits. Develop, design, and implement employee education and communication strategies to ensure effective promotion and understanding of benefit programs. Coordinate the rollout and oversee administration of the annual benefits open enrollment process. Evaluate and compare Company benefit offerings with those of other employers through analysis of surveys, industry data, and other benchmarking sources. Participate in and/or lead area and industry surveys; analyze results and develop recommendations for management review. Develop specifications for new benefit plans or programs, or modify existing offerings, to maintain the Company’s competitive position in the labor market and promote consistency across locations where feasible. Ensure compliance with all applicable Department of Labor, state, and federal laws; remain current on changes in tax and deduction laws impacting payroll administration. Oversee the Sr. Payroll Administrator and ensure payroll is processed timely, accurately, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Verify monthly premium calculations for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data related to premiums, claims, and costs. Resolve administrative issues with carrier representatives as needed. Handle benefit-related inquiries and complaints to ensure prompt, equitable, and courteous resolution. Maintain ongoing communication—in person, by phone, or in writing—with insurance carriers, employees, and beneficiaries to support effective utilization of benefits. Identify process improvement opportunities and develop corresponding action plans. Oversee the HRIS Specialist, providing direction, prioritization, and performance management to ensure effective administration, maintenance, and optimization of HR systems. Partner with the HRIS Specialist to ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, system enhancements, and compliance with data security and privacy requirements, while supporting ongoing process improvements and system-related initiatives. Manage the hiring, training, performance management, and professional development of payroll and benefits staff. Foster an engaged and positive work environment that supports a strong organizational culture. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with five to seven years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, employment policies and procedures, including FLSA and related legislation.
Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative and cooperative work environment.
Proven ability to supervise, train, and develop staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Strong employee development and performance management skills.
Experience in budget preparation and fiscal management.
Ability to evaluate and re-engineer operations and procedures; formulate policy; and develop and implement new strategies and processes.
Knowledge of contemporary human resource management principles and personnel practices.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to exercise sound administrative and procedural judgment when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and define and resolve problems.
Ability to design, prepare, and deliver training programs and materials.
Knowledge of employee benefits and safety laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
Ability to travel as required.
Excellent customer service orientation.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

UKG experience highly preferred
Experience with supporting a Unionized workforce highly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage employee benefits programs, including 401(k) administration, employee assistance programs, health, wellness, leave administration, and voluntary benefits.
Develop, design, and implement employee education and communication strategies to ensure effective promotion and understanding of benefit programs.
Coordinate the rollout and oversee administration of the annual benefits open enrollment process.
Evaluate and compare Company benefit offerings with those of other employers through analysis of surveys, industry data, and other benchmarking sources.
Participate in and/or lead area and industry surveys; analyze results and develop recommendations for management review.
Develop specifications for new benefit plans or programs, or modify existing offerings, to maintain the Company’s competitive position in the labor market and promote consistency across locations where feasible.
Ensure compliance with all applicable Department of Labor, state, and federal laws; remain current on changes in tax and deduction laws impacting payroll administration.
Oversee the Sr. Payroll Administrator and ensure payroll is processed timely, accurately, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Verify monthly premium calculations for all group insurance policies and maintain statistical data related to premiums, claims, and costs.
Resolve administrative issues with carrier representatives as needed.
Handle benefit-related inquiries and complaints to ensure prompt, equitable, and courteous resolution.
Maintain ongoing communication—in person, by phone, or in writing—with insurance carriers, employees, and beneficiaries to support effective utilization of benefits.
Identify process improvement opportunities and develop corresponding action plans.
Oversee the HRIS Specialist, providing direction, prioritization, and performance management to ensure effective administration, maintenance, and optimization of HR systems.
Partner with the HRIS Specialist to ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, system enhancements, and compliance with data security and privacy requirements, while supporting ongoing process improvements and system-related initiatives.
Manage the hiring, training, performance management, and professional development of payroll and benefits staff.
Foster an engaged and positive work environment that supports a strong organizational culture.
Perform other duties as assigned.