North American Benefits Manager

Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Itron Inc. consists of Itron in North America and Actaris outside of North America. Our company is the world's leading provider of metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include electricity, gas and water meters, data collection and communication systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software applications; as well as project management, installation, and consulting services.To know more, start here: www.itron.com Analyze and communicate the company's benefits program in regard to plan options, policy features, enrollment and other requirements. Participates and in and may lead in planning, developing, and redesigning company benefits programs and analyzing benefit costs. Ensures company compliance with federal and state laws.'Manage the analysis and communication of the company's benefit plans and leave of absence programs in regard to plan options, policy features, enrollment and other requirements 'Work independently or with management as needed to evaluate the company's benefit programs or process designs; develop solutions to identified issues; and implement changes in an effective & timely manner 'Identify, develop, implement and communicate wellness programs or initiatives that support the business and employees. Provide recommendations based on analysis and trend studies. 'Develop and maintains strong partnering relationships with, and manage, third-party administrators and benefit providers including but not limited to disease management, EAP, and disability/leave management, medical, dental, 401(k), life and accident insurance. 'Play a key role in the development or enhancement of company plans including disability, leave of absence, disease management, EAP and wellness programs to include plan design and administrative policies and practices. 'Develop and provide detailed analysis on targeted benefit programs to: evaluate costs and competitiveness; identify trends and risks; determine and recommend appropriate plan design changes and/or mitigation strategies 'Ensures compliance of benefit programs with federal and state laws. 'Organize, plan, and execute training for managers & employees on any Itron benefit plan or program. 'Manage benefit plan transition for acquisitions. 'Surveys market data in order to determine company's competitive position in employee benefits. Experience: Minimum of 8 years of specialized experience in benefits administration and analysis. Experience with multi-state benefit plans and Canadian benefit plans. Corporate Experience with mid to large group benefit plans. Must be proficient with worksheet applications, data modeling techniques, and navigating reports from web-based claim information systems. Strong attention to detail and analytical skills. PeopleSoft experience preferred and Strong communication skills.Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in the HR/Benefits areaCertifications: Travel Requirements: 1 - 10% RESPOND HERE! Respond immediately by accessing the following dedicated online response form which will allow you to cut and paste your resume. This form will go directly and immediately to the hiring authority for this position. Access the online response form at: http://sh.webhire.com/servlet/resp/rf?jobid=2214093&boardid=749     Company: ITR - Itron, Inc. Location: Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Job Category: Human Resources Occupations: Corporate Development and Training;Diversity Management/EEO/Compliance;General/Other: Human Resources Career Level: Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff) Industry: Staffing/Employment Agencies;Business Services - Other;Financial Services Company: ITR - Itron, Inc. Referece Code: 1857