Sr. Manager, Benefits

Lactalis USA Inc.•Buffalo, NY

just now•$95,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Senior Manager, Benefits based in Buffalo NY. As a Senior Manager, Benefits, the role will carry out responsibilities such as but not limited to leading the strategy, administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the organization's health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs. The position oversees all aspects of benefits operations, including vendor management, regulatory compliance, annual enrollment, financial administration, and employee communications, while partnering closely with HR, Finance, Payroll, HRIS, and external providers. The role serves as the organization's subject matter expert on benefits and retirement programs, drives process and technology enhancements, analyzes program effectiveness and cost trends, and ensures a compliant, efficient, and employee-centric benefits experience that supports business objectives. The Senior Manager, Benefits reports to the Organization and HR VP.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive benefits experience focused on managing health, welfare, retirement, leave, and wellbeing programs experience is required.
Knowledge of benefits policies, procedures and practices including IRS, Department of Labor and other employment law implications for benefit programs is required.
A computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) will be provided.
A cell phone is required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is preferred.
A major in Human Resources, Management, Finance or other applicable academic background is preferred.
CEBS or similar benefits certification is preferred for this role.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of U.S. health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs to deliver competitive, compliant, cost-effective offerings.
Manage and develop a team of three Benefits Specialists through coaching, prioritization, performance management, and accountability for service delivery.
Oversee benefits operations, including eligibility, enrollment, life events, payroll deductions, vendor integrations, COBRA, retirement programs, and annual enrollment.
Manage relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, consultants, carriers, and third-party administrators, including contracts, performance, service standards, and issue resolution.
Partner with Payroll, HRIS, Finance, HR leadership, and external providers to ensure accurate administration, data integrity, compliance, and a positive employee experience.
Establish and maintain operational controls, standard operating procedures, audits, and service standards that support efficient, scalable, and compliant operations.
Lead annual renewals and budget management through plan design evaluation, benchmarking, forecasting, financial analysis, vendor negotiations, and cost-containment strategies.
Analyze utilization, claims, market trends, employee feedback, and vendor performance to identify program enhancements, mitigate risk, and improve operations.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, retirement plan, and leave-related regulations.
Lead benefits projects, system implementations, vendor transitions, and process improvements that strengthen efficiency, compliance, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness.
Develop and oversee employee communications, education, training, presentations, annual enrollment materials, and self-service resources that promote benefits understanding and engagement.
Serve as the senior escalation point and subject matter expert for complex benefits and retirement matters, advising employees, leaders, HR Business Partners, and other stakeholders.
Provide leadership and oversight for the organization's benefits function, including the management and development of a team of three Benefits Specialists.
Direct benefit program administration, compliance, vendor management, and continuous process improvements to support organizational and employee needs.