Benefits Manager

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Benefits Manager will lead the strategy, design, compliance, and day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs for Everwise. The Manager ensures competitive, cost-effective, and compliant offerings that support talent acquisition, retention, and employee well-being. The Benefits Manager will serve as a key liaison between employees, benefit vendors, and leadership, ensuring high levels of service in a highly regulated and performance-driven environment.

Primary Responsibilities & Duties:

• Design, implement, and manage all employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, retirement plans, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits
• Manage open enrollment process, including coordinating benefit changes, system updates, creating and implementing a comprehensive employee communication plan
• Manage relationships with benefit providers, brokers, and third-party administrators to ensure quality service delivery and plan performance
• Evaluate and benchmark benefits programs against industry standards and make recommendations for enhancements
• Monitor and manage benefit plan budgets and cost projections
• Identify cost-containment strategies and opportunities for plan design optimization
• Drive process improvements and automation within the benefits function using technology, reporting, and employee self-service tools
• Ensure programs comply with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, and other applicable federal and state laws
• Oversee preparation and filing of required documents such as 5500s, plan audits, and nondiscrimination testing
• Analyze benefit plan metrics, utilization, and financial impact to inform strategy and budgeting
• Provide regular reporting to HR leadership and Finance, with insights on benefits ROI and risk management.
• Serves as primary contact for employees regarding benefit related issues and questions
• Effectively manage all leaves of absence, and reasonable accommodation requests and maintaining appropriate records
• Lead, plan, and manage effective communications and education of benefits
• Responsible for reconciling vendor invoices to ensure accuracy against vendor contracts

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Strong knowledge of benefit laws and regulations
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems (prefer experience with Workday)
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of service and response
• Ability to synthesize and present information and make recommendations to leadership
• Highly resourceful collaborator, with the ability to also be effective independently

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certification

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management, Business or equivalent work experience
• 4+ years' benefits administration
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and exceptional Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs and benefits contract language
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, Medicare/Social Security, COBRA, and DOL requirements

Everwise is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.