Manager, Benefits

JOB OBJECTIVE:

Responsible for managing the group benefit programs including health, dental, vision, income protection plans, worker's compensation, life insurance, spending accounts, retirement plans, 401k, wellness and leave of absence programs. Manages and performs the day-to-day benefit operations through effective delegation and project management. Assures compliance with state and federal regulations governing benefit plans and practices. Serves as active member of the HR leadership team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Act as working manager for day-to-day benefits operation tasks such as associate questions, Workday entry and other related tasks.

• Manage the benefits team. This includes performance appraisals, work assignments, reward/corrective action, career development, guidance and direction.

• Collaborates with HRIS on configuration of the benefit programs including open enrollment.

• Provide timely and compassionate benefits assistance to associates, retirees and management.

• Partner with vendor, brokers and legal to prepare, update and maintain benefit plan documents and assure benefit compliance.

• Develop benefit communications including Summary Plan Descriptions, Associate Handbook, and HR policies.

• Through partnership with HR leadership, brokers and other vendors, develop, plan and implement group benefit programs. Ensure the competitiveness and cost effectiveness of the benefit programs and recommend needed changes to the Encova Benefits Committee.

• Recommend processes and actions to ensure compliance with regulations affecting benefit programs. Responsible for government reporting of associate benefits.

• Coordinate the relationship with agent/broker, insurance carriers, record keepers, actuaries, auditors, legal counsel and other vendors.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain benefits records to ensure they are secure, organized and current.

• Conduct or assign and monitor benefits research and HR special projects.

• Maintain and update policies and procedures for the benefit programs.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field is required. Equivalent work experience may be considered.

• 5 years of benefits experience required

• Professional benefit certification such as CEBS or CBP preferred.

• Prior management experience preferred but not required.

• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary benefit plan design and claims administration, benefit cost-control techniques, benefits communication, and 401(k), defined benefit and health insurance plan management required.

• Knowledge of FMLA, benefits laws and regulations, human resource information and payroll systems also required.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.

This position has been evaluated in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Encova Insurance makes every effort to reasonably accommodate disabilities to permit performance of the essential functions and candidates who need such accommodation are encouraged to seek it. This description reflects the nature and level of work performed by associates in this position. It is not an all-inclusive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required. It provides an accurate overview of the work and skills needed to perform this position. Because job content may change from time to time, Encova Insurance reserves the right to add and/or delete functions from this job as it deems necessary for business reasons.