About this role

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, compliance, and daily operations of the company’s employee benefits programs, with a primary focus on leave of absence management (FMLA, ADA, state leaves, disability). This role also provides oversight across the full suite of health, welfare, and retirement benefits—including 401(k)—and ensures a high‑quality employee experience, operational excellence, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leave Management

• Lead day-to-day administration of all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, state‑mandated leaves, parental leave, and short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Serve as subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex leave cases; advise HR partners, managers, and employees.
• Manage relationships with third‑party administrators (TPAs), ensuring accurate case handling, compliance, and strong service levels.
• Maintain up-to-date leave policies; recommend updates based on legislation, workforce needs, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance across federal, state, and local leave regulations; maintain documentation standards and reporting.

Core Benefits Management (Full-Scope Responsibilities)

• Support the administration of all health and welfare programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA/FSA, COBRA).
• Manage or support 401(k) and retirement plan administration, including vendor coordination, employee education, plan operations, and compliance activities.
• Support annual open enrollment, including planning, communication development, HRIS configuration, testing, and issue resolution.
• Partner with HRIS and Payroll to ensure data accuracy, system integrity, and effective process integrations.
• Oversee vendor relationships; monitor service delivery, resolve escalations, and support RFPs as needed.
• Create and deliver benefits communications that enhance employee understanding and engagement.
• Assist with benefits budgeting, reporting, and cost analysis to support strategic planning.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, IRS, DOL, FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws.
• Maintain all required plan documents, SPDs, notices, and filings.
• Partner with Legal, vendors and external consultants on regulatory changes and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of progressive benefits experience, including strong expertise in leave management.
• Working knowledge of federal and state leave laws and core benefits programs, including retirement plans such as 401(k).
• Experience with HRIS benefits modules, leave administration systems, and vendor management.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.