What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Benefits Administration position at Ilitch Companies?
Job Summary:
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategy, design, compliance and administration of enterprise-wide benefits programs across North America. This role leads a team of benefit specialists and ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned to colleague needs and business priorities.
This leader combines operational excellence with strategic insight—driving continuous improvement in plan design, vendor performance, colleague experience, and data integrity. The role requires strong partnership with Finance, Legal, Payroll, HRIS, and external vendors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a team of direct reports to establish clear roles, performance expectations, and development plans
- Design and manage a comprehensive portfolio of benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, retirement, and wellbeing initiatives
- Drive process standardization, documentation, and automation across benefits administration
- Lead vendor strategy, selection, and governance (including RFPs, renewals, and performance management)
- Ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met and continuously improved
- Partner with Finance to manage benefits budgets and identify cost optimization opportunities
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and proactively manage legislative changes to assess plan impact
- Oversee audits and maintain documented processes and controls
- Ensure accurate data management and seamless integration with Workday, payroll, and carriers
- Develop clear, modern communication materials to improve benefit understanding and utilization for colleagues
- Leverage data and analytics (Workday, vendor reporting, surveys) to inform decisions
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
- 5 years of progressive experience in benefits, including plan design, administration, and compliance
- Proven ability to lead and develop a high performing team
- Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.)
- Experience managing vendors and complex benefit programs
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday strongly preferred)
- Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering a high-quality employee experience
Working Conditions:
- Occasional travel may be required
All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.