Senior Benefits Manager

Soni Resources is partnering with a growing law firm near Roseland, NJ, on the search for a Sr Manager, Benefits & Wellness.

This role leads the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of the firm’s benefits and wellness programs. The Senior Manager oversees daily operations, ensures compliance, drives employee engagement, and manages a small team while partnering cross-functionally with Payroll, HR, Finance, and external vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee end-to-end administration of all employee benefits programs (health, welfare, retirement-related plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives)
• Ensure accurate benefits processing in payroll, including deductions, adjustments, and leave impacts; reconcile data across HR, Payroll, and Finance
• Serve as the escalation point for complex benefits, payroll, eligibility, and leave of absence issues
• Lead the design, evaluation, and enhancement of benefits and wellness offerings to remain competitive and cost-effective
• Manage Open Enrollment, including system setup, communications, employee support, and post-enrollment audits
• Direct the firm’s wellness strategy, programs, and committee to drive employee engagement
• Oversee compliance and regulatory filings (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, ACA reporting, HIPAA, OSHA), ensuring accurate documentation and timely submissions
• Manage vendor relationships, including brokers, carriers, COBRA administrators, and third-party providers; review contracts and resolve escalations
• Develop and manage the benefits budget, track expenses, and provide ongoing financial analysis
• Maintain and improve processes, documentation, and systems (including HRIS/Dayforce), with a focus on scalability and efficiency
• Oversee leave of absence programs (FMLA, disability, state leaves), including compliance guidance and case management oversight
• Supervise and develop a team, setting priorities, distributing workload, and driving performance
• Manage invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, and year-end activities (e.g., audits, filings, executive plans)
• Support employee communications, education, and resources related to benefits and wellness programs
• Handle workers’ compensation reporting and coordination with carriers and internal stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience in benefits administration
• SHRM Certification
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment needed
• Familiarity with major carriers (e.g., Aetna) and complex plan structure
• Strong knowledge of benefits design, compliance, and regulations (ERISA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, HIPAA, Section 125, etc.)
• Experience managing leave programs and complex employee cases across multiple jurisdictions
• Proven ability to manage vendors, budgets, and cross-functional relationships
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated leadership experience with team management and development
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with all levels of an organization
• High attention to detail, discretion, and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office (Dayforce experience preferred)

Compensation: $160,000 - $180,000

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.