Benefits Manager

OVERVIEW

Coordinates, manages, and implements Company employee benefit plans and programs, such as medical, dental, life, and flexible spending (health and child care). Provides information, assistance, and solutions to employees and supervisors related to benefits in order to promptly resolve problems and/or answer questions. Serves as the primary contact for ensuring employees are correctly onboarded in the company HRIS and payroll system.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

·        Coordinates and implements the company’s benefit programs to ensure accurate and timely enrollment, disenrollment, etc., of all eligible participants using company, provider, and third-party administrator systems.

·        Ensures company compliance with Section 125 and FSA plans, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable state and federal benefit-related laws/requirements.

·        Conducts research in order to make specific recommendations for benefit enhancements, additions, and removal. Provides recommendations to human resources leadership (Director of HR) for consideration.

·        Assists with the bid/request for proposal process to ensure appropriate vendor products and services are evaluated and considered.

·        Ensures appropriate plan documents are drafted, updated, and in compliance with ERISA requirements if applicable.

·        Makes cost-containment recommendations in order to provide maximum coverage and/or benefit plan options, balancing cost-effectiveness for the company and employees.

·        Provides employees with claims assistance and review to the extent authorized by law and plan document guidelines.

·        Interprets plan documents and policies in order to act as a liaison between employees and carriers/providers.

·        Maintains positive vendor relationships to effectively upgrade plans, introduce new products, investigate plan/policy discrepancies, and provide two-way communication in non-routine situations.

·        Ensures electronic files are maintained according to company standards and statutory requirements.

·        Performs and oversees data entry in various computer systems and spreadsheets to ensure accurate databases and records are maintained for reporting and regulatory purposes.

·        Reconciles invoices to vendor agreements to ensure company costs are consistent with agreed-upon fees.

·        Coordinates annual open enrollment, using resources to assist employees in making informed choices. Ensures open enrollment process is completed timely and accurately.

·        Leads carrier connection implementations in HRIS system.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

·        Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field. Human resources generalist experience may be considered for degree equivalency.

Work Experience

·        Three years’ experience in an HR Generalist role required

·        Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

Skills and Knowledge

·        Advanced knowledge of benefits administration

·        Ability to develop, interpret, and communicate policies

·        Ability to use various human resources-specific software/databases and other software programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) at an advanced level

·        Ability to apply working knowledge of federal and state benefit laws relating to HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, FSA, HRA, HSA, ACA, etc.

·        Demonstrated ability to make decisions based on policies and procedures

·        Ability to collect, compile, and analyze data from various sources

·        Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and coordinate with minimal or no direction

·        Ability to display positive interpersonal skills in various situations

·        Excellent analytical skills

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·        Ability to work as a contributing and positive member within the team

·        Ability to comprehend and comply with GMP rules and Food Safety guidelines

·        PHR/SPHR certification or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred

·        Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish preferred

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:

Job Competencies

·        Willingness to Deal with Multiple Tasks - Works through multiple priorities concurrently; uses data management tools to organize information versus rely on memory; successfully manages concurrent objectives by sticking to disciplined work plan when faced with 'hot' issues that could divert time and resources.

·        Takes Personal Responsibility - Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.

·        Develops Technical Competence - Seeks to stay abreast of new developments in core competencies and learn enough about related fields to apply knowledge effectively in business; enjoys learning and is intellectually curious; has strong desire to continuously improve knowledge, skills, and abilities; sees learning and knowledge as keys to building skills and abilities essential to job and career success.

·        Attention to Detail - Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.

·        Team Orientation - Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expect others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.

·        Influence - Has ability to create understanding and support for initiatives or positions and negotiate to solutions that are supported by all parties. Understands agendas and perspectives of others, recognizing and effectively balancing interests and needs of one’s own group with those of broader organization.

·        Risk Taking - Uses appropriate methods to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and measure impact. Takes risks while finding better ways to solve problems and capitalize on opportunities. Shows enthusiasm and willingness to plunge into tasks/projects despite difficulty or uncertainty.

·        Customer Relations - Emphasizes view of customers and potential customers in setting priorities and plans. Utilizes feedback from customers in making decisions. Advocates for policies and processes that benefit customers.

·        Influence – Ability to gain others support for ideas, proposals, projects, and solutions.

·        Respects Diversity – Respects the Company’s diverse workforce, and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.

·        Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

·        Good Manufacturing Practices/Food Safety – Demonstrates Good Manufacturing Practices and proper Food Safety procedures when performing daily job functions. Correctly wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Recognizes areas for GMP and Food Safety procedure improvements and shares ideas with leadership.

·        Safety Awareness – Demonstrates use of safe and proper work methods and follows established safety procedures. Reports and corrects working conditions that may increase risk factors for injury.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

·        Noise level in work environment is moderate; Standard office setting.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and results.