Manager-US Benefits

SC Electric Company•Chicago, IL

43d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an S&C Electric team member, you'll work on projects that have real-world impact. You'll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We're big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively. Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow's energy challenges and become an employee-owner! The Manager - US Benefits reports directly to the Senior Manager - HR Shared Services and is responsible for overseeing the administration and compliance of all US team member benefit programs, including health and welfare, leaves of absence, and the S&C KSOP retirement plan. This leadership role oversees day-to-day operations, manages vendor relationships, and provides support to team members, while collaborating closely with the Global Benefits Director, who is responsible for global benefits design and strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
5+ years of progressive experience working with U.S. benefits administration, including 2+ years of leadership.
Sound technical knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, etc.), including KSOP plan forecasting, modeling, compliance testing, eligibility audits, participant diversification oversight, distribution processes, and contribution calculations. Experience in interpreting and applying regulatory changes to plan operations.
Experience managing vendors and third-party administrators.
Sound project management and communication skills (written, verbal, listening, and presentation); able to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders to support decision-making and drive desired results.
Excellent analytical skills, especially related to retirement and benefit plan data. Ability to use technical acumen and analytical skills to analyze data and drive informed decisions, problem-solve issues, and leverage data and learnings to drive continuous improvement.
Great attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Proficient with Microsoft applications (Teams, SharePoint, Office applications, etc), including excellent Excel skills.
Ability to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) or Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)
2+ years of experience involving ESOP administration.
Experience with non-discrimination testing and repurchase obligation modeling.
Vendor management experience, particularly with third-party administrators, auditors, and legal advisors

Responsibilities

Oversee the administration of the company's KSOP (combined 401(k) and ESOP) plan.
Manage plan operations, including eligibility, contributions, distributions, vesting schedules, plan documentation, and compliance testing in partnership with Finance and third-party administrators.
Oversee the calculation and administration of all forms of employer contributions, including core, transition, and matching contributions.
Oversee the diversification and segregation processes and distribution requests, and ensure accurate processing in compliance with plan terms.
Oversee the uncashed check process, ensuring timely follow-ups and compliance with escheatment requirements.
Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, DOL, and other applicable regulations by managing and maintaining retirement plan documents, including overseeing updates, amendments, and coordination with legal counsel and third-party administrators.
Support annual audits, government filings (e.g., Form 5500), and participant communications related to KSOP benefits, ensuring timely and accurate reporting and disclosure.
Perform detailed financial modeling and forecasting to support the budget development for the company's KSOP plan, specifically to evaluate the company's repurchase obligations, contribution scenarios, cash flow projections, and ESOP repurchase liabilities.
Conduct thorough reconciliations of plan contributions and distributions, ensuring accurate reflection of plan balances, and work with the Finance team to support financial audits.
Assist with any ad-hoc strategic initiatives related to the KSOP plan, including the annual "KSOP Days" events.
Act as a liaison to the plan's Trustee Committee, lead the plan's Administrative Committee, and support governance efforts.
Oversee the administration of all U.S. benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, leave of absence, and COBRA.
Manage vendor relationships and ensure performance through regular reviews, reporting, and escalations.
Lead the annual/open enrollment processes, including system readiness, communication campaigns, and team member support.
Monitor and maintain compliance with ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other federal/state regulations.
Support the budget development for the company's benefit plans, using insights and data analysis to forecast future plan costs.
Assist with any ad-hoc strategic initiatives related to US benefits.
Act as a liaison to the Benefits Committee.
Support the development of HR Shared Service reference documents to support ticketing responses.
Provide exceptional team member service for issues escalated to the US Benefits Team by addressing inquiries and guiding team members through major life events and benefit changes.
Partner with HR operations, payroll, and other internal stakeholders to ensure data integrity and seamless benefits administration.
Create and maintain clear, team member-friendly benefit communications and FAQs in partnership with Internal Communications and the Global Benefits Director.
Collaborate with the Global Benefits Director to support the implementation of global benefit strategies in the U.S. and ensure alignment with local operations.
Provide operational insights and recommend improvements to benefits administration processes, policies, and technologies.
Support benefits-related elements of M&A, integrations, or vendor transitions as needed.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Attend in-person or virtual meetings as requested or required.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
Other responsibilities as assigned.