Benefits Administration Manager

Position Summary

The Benefits Administration Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of the organization's employee benefits programs. This role manages all aspects of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, leave programs, wellness initiatives, vendor relationships, employee communications, and regulatory compliance. The Benefits Administration Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external providers to ensure benefit programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Benefits Program Administration

• Manage the day-to-day administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), employee assistance programs (EAP), and voluntary benefits.
• Oversee employee enrollments, life event changes, eligibility determinations, and terminations.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit transactions within HRIS and vendor systems.
• Monitor benefit program performance and recommend enhancements to improve employee experience and organizational value.

Compliance and Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125, and other benefits-related laws.
• Coordinate annual compliance reporting, audits, disclosures, and required filings.
• Maintain plan documents, summary plan descriptions (SPDs), and related documentation.
• Partner with legal counsel and vendors to address regulatory changes and compliance requirements.

Vendor and Broker Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, consultants, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and retirement plan providers.
• Manage vendor performance, service-level agreements, issue resolution, and contract renewals.
• Participate in vendor evaluations, RFP processes, and benefits benchmarking activities.

Open Enrollment and Employee Communications

• Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and communication strategies.
• Develop employee education materials, presentations, and benefits guides.
• Conduct benefits orientation sessions and informational meetings.
• Respond to employee inquiries and provide guidance regarding benefits eligibility, coverage, and claims issues.

Leave and Wellness Programs

• Oversee administration of leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, parental leave, and other company-sponsored leave benefits.
• Support wellness initiatives and employee well-being programs.
• Monitor leave trends and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze benefits utilization, costs, trends, and employee participation.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for HR leadership and executive management.
• Develop metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting for benefits expenditures.

Team Leadership (if applicable)

• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Provide training and guidance on benefits policies, procedures, and systems.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.

Experience

• 5–8 years of progressive benefits administration experience.
• Experience managing health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave administration.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with HRIS platforms and benefits administration systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration platforms.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Benefits administration: 5 years (Preferred)
• Supervisory: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Volga, WV 26238: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)

Work Location: In person