Role Introduction:

This individual will be responsible for the benefit administration of all benefit programs to include broker management, associate communication, day to day benefit administration and will work closely with our human resources and finance teams along with our benefits consultants to manage existing benefit programs as well as research and propose enhancements to existing programs that align with our company mission and associate value proposition.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall administration and compliance for all benefit programs including, medical/dental/vision plans, LTD, STD, 401(k), wellness, etc.
• Responsible for evaluating, selecting, and directing benefits consultants, brokers, and necessary legal counsel.
• Educate and mentor HR team to guide them in their communications with associates in relation to all benefit plans. Manage communication efforts and tools for associates to be well informed of their benefits.
• Manage the administration of FMLA, ADA and Disability issues.
• Manage PTO policies and plans.
• Manage one direct report that has oversight of leave administration.
• Serve as the Primary contact with Benefit consultants and plan providers to ensure efficient administration of all benefit plans.
• Research, analyze and recommend new benefit programs for Company to remain competitive and manage costs related to all benefit plans.
• Implement programs providing effective communication and training to associates.
• Responsible for the vision, analysis, research, communication, and administration of strategic associate benefit programs, and the processes associated with supporting these programs. Ensure that these programs support the company’s growth strategy, business objectives, and talent acquisition and retention goals, while maximizing total compensation value and responsibly managing the Company’s investment.
• Responsible for management of the systems and technology to support the benefit plans. Works closely with Payroll and HRIS as it relates to benefits.
• Conduct budgeting and financial analysis of associate benefits programs. Monitor high-cost claims and target problem claim areas. Ensure adequate estimates, forecasts, and calculations of expenditures in benefits for budget planning and tracking.
• Ensure proper day to day administration of benefit changes and that enrollments are processed by the payroll team.
• Ensure compliance with governmental regulations related to benefit programs including ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, HCRA, ADA. This includes required testing and audit compliance.
• Manages existing disease management and wellness programs as well as analyze effectiveness of programs and research/recommend new initiatives.

Education, Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with an HR emphasis and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive related benefit experience
• CBP and/or CEBS certification a plus.
• Must be able to deal effectively with all levels of associates, management, outside benefits professionals (insurance contacts, TPA, benefits consultants, actuaries), legal counsel and regulatory agencies.
• Strong functional expertise in benefits program design and administration.
• Deals with ambiguity and can change directions when needed.
• Excellent analytic skills
• Critical thinker with strong time-management, organization, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Must be flexible and a strong team player.
• Working knowledge of government regulations that apply to benefit programs (ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, HCRA, ADA).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to interpret contractual language into easily understandable text, comfortable in group presentations and negotiations.
• Strong software skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and HR systems (ADP and SAP)

Additional Key Skills & Attributes:

• Experience managing multiple benefit plans through sound vendor management and utilization of broker services.
• Experience managing benefit programs in multi-state, multi-site retail and/or hospitality environments.

About Applegreen:

We're growing! Applegreen is an Irish owned and run company that operates in the USA – with further growth and acquisitions planned for the next 5 years. We also operate in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Applegreen is proud to be the largest Travel Plaza Operator in these territories with exciting growth ahead in the USA. We operate global brands such as Burger King, Subway, Dunkin, Shake Shack, Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks to name just a few.

https://www.applegreen.com/

Applegreen is an equal opportunity employer.