Director of Benefits

This position is responsible for the overall design, implementation, communication and administration of the company’s health and welfare programs, defined contribution benefit plans, and union/GSA required programs. Also oversees Leaves of Absence administration and policy management. Provides consultative services to management and employees regarding employee benefit plans/policies, legal requirements and claims issues. Recommends benefit solutions that meet the business and strategic objectives of the company. Maintains financial oversight regarding accuracy of carrier billing/client billing/employee contributions, and ensures automated benefit system is properly maintained.

Job Description:

• Manages the design, development and administration of employee benefit programs such as health, dental, vision, life insurance/AD&D plans; wellness program; 401k plans (union and non-union, as well as highly compensated plans); flexible spending plan; voluntary disability plans; and benefits related to local ordinances and government programs.
• Analyzes benefit plan coverage and recommends benefit strategies, policies and programs designed to attract and retain employees in accordance with social and industry trends.
• Develops effective employee communications to improve understanding of benefit plans. Works closely with our benefit system provider to ensure interactive online experience is effectively utilized.
• Ensures full compliance with all state and federal regulations, reporting and filing requirements relating to all benefit plans. Work closely with benefit brokers and vendors to ensure timely and accurate ACA reporting compliance, 5500 filings, IRS and DOL filings and audit responses, and all other benefit related compliance obligations. Ensure timely communications to senior management in advance of any compliance concerns and issues.
• Act as lead manager for 401k Fiduciary Committee, coordinating with Plan Advisor to schedule and hold regular Committee meetings, oversee activities of Plan Advisor including timely publication of minutes and compliance with fiduciary obligations.
• Oversee the implementation and management of all Government Services Act (GSA) plans and administration, as well as programs that may be required under Collective Bargaining Agreements or living wage ordinances. Identify and contract with qualified vendors, coordinate with branch operations and shared services on appropriate deductions and enrollment procedures into such plans, and ensure compliance in all relevant jurisdictions.
• Designs reports that monitor benefit costs and provides executive leadership with data needed to understand trends and budget impacts.
• Manages the relationships with vendors including benefit brokers and service administrators, relating to quality, service agreements, costs/billings, reporting, audits and controls.
• In coordination with Human Resources and Legal, ensure timely execution of all Leaves of Absences, including branch and employee communications, legal compliance, management of leave tracking software programs, and oversight of Leave of Absence team to ensure timely and responsive customer service. Ensure policies regarding Leaves of Absence remain current and compliant, and that procedures regarding leaves and benefit continuation are consistently applied and effectively communicated.
• Manages the open enrollment process for all benefit and 401k programs, including the development of timelines, communication plan utilizing various media, system updates, coordinating with brokers, vendors and reporting.
• Manage effective programs for highly compensated employees, which may include but are not limited to a Supplemental Income Plan and conversion/disposition of legacy seller plans as may be applicable.
• Develops and leads a customer-oriented benefits team which meets the needs of the organization. Ensures the highest level of timely, professional and effective communications is maintained by staff and vendor in all interactions with employees and management.
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate benefits data, records and reports.
• Performs due diligence pertaining to benefits for acquisitions. Ensures a smooth transition to company benefits by acquired entities, which may include merging of legacy 401k Plans, assumption of seller plans through defined transition periods, and all reporting that may be required for legacy seller plans (i.e., stock purchase obligations).
• Perform other duties, special projects and activities as required by the organization.

Closing:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business related subject highly preferred. Additional specialized training or coursework specific to benefits administration highly desired. SPHR or CEBS certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in benefits field, with a strong working knowledge of benefits administration in a fast-paced, high turnover service environment. Experience with vendor and broker management required.
• Thorough understanding of state and federal regulations relating to benefit plans and all applicable laws relating to benefit administration (including COBRA and ERISA), and be able to effectively work within company policies and state/federal laws. Experience communicating effectively with DOL and IRS as needed.
• Demonstrated high level of experience and proficiency using automated systems to administer benefit programs, and strong working knowledge of current technologies used in progressive organizations, with ability to identify new solutions and make recommendations.
• Must have outstanding interpersonal skills and impeccable oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to create and deliver presentations to executive management in a clear, compelling and confident manner.
• Must be flexible and able to work effectively with all levels of management. Previous experience in high volume service or retail industries is a strongly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments and effectively manage deadlines. Must be highly organized and able to keep the management team on track with required information available at all times.
• Must be highly proficient and fully functional in all Microsoft Office applications, and able to effectively utilize all available office management technology including internet, Microsoft Outlook and email applications.
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to create and interpret reports related to benefit costs, P&L impact, and also generate internal documents for HR, finance, sales and operations to use for budgeting and client communications.
• Professional, articulate and able to use good independent judgment and discretion. Must have proven ability to maintain correspondence, discussions and materials in strictest confidence. Must be able to work overtime as needed, and may be required to travel 10-20% of the time.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills required with the ability to successfully interact at all levels of the organization while functioning as a team player.

• Must be a proactive problem solver and team player who is detail oriented and flexible; a self-starter requiring minimal supervision with the ability to cooperatively work with field and branch leadership in a productive yet authoritative manner required.

• Energetic, driven personality with a demonstrated ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments and effectively manage deadlines.
• Willingness to take direction and critical feedback, and adapt to improve skills and effectiveness with a positive attitude.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use both hands, is frequently required to stand, sit, stoop, talk and hear (communicate verbally in person and via regular telephone equipment), and must be able to read computer screens, correspondence and reports in English.
• The employee must constantly walk, stand, reach with both hands and arms, and must be able to drive a vehicle. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. May be required to climb stairs on an intermittent basis at client sites.
• The job is generally performed in an office setting; however, during site visits the employee may be subject to adverse conditions such as rain, cold or heat for short periods of time.
• The ambient noise level is usually quiet, consisting of normal conversations, business machines (copiers, printers, etc.) and telephones, but occasionally may be above-normal for portions of the shift.
• The employee must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities.
• Must be able to focus and multi-task in a busy environment, with the ability to successfully handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner. Includes being able to effectively manage multiple employees with diverse personalities and engage them to perform at optimum levels.
• Must be able to clearly speak, read and write English.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned, with or without notice.