Senior Manager- US Benefits

S&C Electric Company•Chicago, IL

3d•$137,500 - $182,129•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! Are you passionate about Benefits? The Senior Manager – US Benefits provides strategic leadership for all US team member benefit programs, including health and welfare, leaves of absence, and the S&C KSOP retirement plan. This role is accountable for shaping benefits strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence across all benefit offerings. The Senior Manager oversees vendor governance, leads complex plan administration and partners with Finance, Legal and HR Leadership to deliver data-driven insights and recommendations. Additionally, this position collaborates closely with the Global Benefits Director to align the US program with global benefit strategies, influence executive decision-making, and enhance team member experience through innovative solutions and governance practices.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in U.S. benefits strategy and administration, including 5+ years in a leadership role with demonstrated ability to influence organizational benefits strategy and governance.
Deep 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. Skilled in interpreting and applying regulatory changes to plan operations.
Proven track record of vendor governance, including negotiating contracts, managing performance, and driving accountability with third-party administrators.
Excellent project leadership and communication skills - able to present to senior leadership, influence decision making and lead cross functional initiatives with clarity and impact.
Excellent analytical skills and financial acumen, particularly in retirement and benefit plan data analysis. Ability to leverage data insights for strategic planning, continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
Exceptional attention to detail and discretion with experience managing sensitive and confidential information at an enterpirse level.
High proficiency in Microsoft applications (Teams, SharePoint, Office applications, etc), with expert-level Excel skills for modeling and analysis.
Ability to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of experience in ESOP administration, including strategic oversight of plan operations and governance.
Demonstrated experience leading non-discrimination testing and developing complex financial models for repurchase obligations, with the ability to present insights to senior leadership.
Proven success in managing and influencing third-party administrators, auditors, and legal advisors at a strategic level, including contract negotiations and performance accountability.

Responsibilities

KSOP Plan Administration Direct and govern the administration of the company’s KSOP (combined 401(k) and ESOP) plan ensuring alignment with company obojectives and regulatory requirements.
Drive end-to-end plan operations, including eligibility, contributions, distributions, vesting schedules, plan documentation, and compliance testing – by partnering with Finance and third-party administrators to ensure flawless execution.
Oversee and approve all forms of employer contributions, including core, transition, and matching contributions, ensuring accuracy and fiscal responsibility.
Establish and enforce processes for diversification, segregation and distribution requests ensuring compliance with plan terms and operational excellence.
Provide strategic oversight of the uncashed check process, establishing governance protocols and ensuring timely resolution and full compliance with escheatment requirements.
Champion compliance with ERISA, IRS, DOL, and other regulations by maintaining retirement plan documents, driving updates and amendments, and coordinating with legal counsel and third-party administrators.
Direct annual audits, government filings (e.g., Form 5500), and participant communications related to KSOP benefits, ensuring timely, accurate and transparent reporting.
Develop and present detailed financial models and forecasts to inform KSOP budgeting, repurchase obligations, contribution scenarios, cash flow projections, and ESOP liabilities.
Oversee reconciliations of plan contributions and distributions, ensuring accuracy of plan balances and supporting Finance in audit readiness.
Lead ad-hoc strategic projects related to the KSOP plan, including planning and execution of annual “KSOP Days” events to enhance team member engagement.
Serve as primary liaison to the plan’s Trustee Committee, chair the plan’s Administrative Committee, and drive governance practicies that uphold fiduciary responsibility.
US Benefits Plan Administration Provide strategic leadership in designig, implementing and evaluating all U.S. benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, leave of absence, and COBRA ensuring alignment with the company’s Total Rewards philosophy and long-term business objectives.
Direct vendor relationships at a strategic level, setting performance expectations, conducting executive-level reviews, and driving accountability through data-driven reporting and escalation protocols.
Oversee and orchestrate the annual/open enrollment processes, ensuring system readiness, communication campaigns, and seamless team member experience across all platforms.
Champion compliance with ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other federal/state regulations by establishing governance frameworks, monitoring legislative changes, and proactively mitigating compliance risks.
Lead benefits budgeting and forecasting efforts, leveraging analytics and market insights to model plan costs and inform executive decision-making.
Serve as key advisor and liaison to the Benefits Committee, shaping governance practices and presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Team Member Support & Communications Provide strategic oversight for the development and maintennce of HR Shared Service reference materials, ensuring accuracy and consistency to support efficient ticket resolutions.
Drive resolution of escalated US benefits inquiries by setting service standards, guidig team members through complex life events and ensuring a high-touch, consultative experience.
Lead partnerships with HR operations, payroll, and other internal stakeholders to ensure data integrity, process optimization, and seamless benefits administration across systems.
Oversee the creation and governance of clear, team member-centric benefit communications and FAQs in collaboration with Internal Communications and Global Benefits Directr, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and engagement goals.
Collaboration & Governance Partner with the Global Benefits Director to shap and execute global benefit strategies in the U.S. and ensure seamless integrations with local operations and compliance frameworks.
Provide strategic insights and leadership to optimize benefits administration processes, policies, and technologies, leveraging data and best practices to enhance efficiency and team member experience.
Oversee benefits-related components of mergers and acquisitions, integrations, or vendor transitions, ensuring risk mitigation, continuity of service and alignment with organizational objectives.