Benefits Manager

Growing retail/café chain is expanding throughout the Midwest.  We are looking to build our Benefits team by adding a Benefits Manager who will take an active role in the support, administration and compliance of all company benefits programs including but not limited to health, life and disability, 401(k), leaves of absence, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Administers all employee benefits programs such as medical, dental, vision, life and disability, 401(k), Time Off, leaves of absence, etc.

· Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information.  Plans, develops, and/or participates in area and industry surveys. Analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for review by management.

· Develops, recommends and implements approved, new or modified plans and policies and supervises the administration of all benefits plans and policies.

· Monitors the effectiveness of existing benefits policies, guidelines and procedures, recommending plan revision as well as new plans that are cost effective and consistent with benefits trends and company objectives.

· Implement approved new plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media for communicating new plans to employees. Conducts training meetings to ensure consistent, accurate information is disseminated throughout the company. 

· Coordinate all aspects of annual open enrollment including but not limited to:  conducting renewal meetings with broker, preparing communications, providing training, ensuring accurate and timely data transmittal to HRIS and carriers, etc.

· Prepares and executes, with legal consultation, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instructs insurance brokers, carriers, trustees and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefit program. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.

· Assures company compliance with provisions of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, IRS and other various government entities. 

· Complete annual non-discrimination testing, coordinate annual audits and supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as IRS, DOL, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies.

· Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits, and reports necessary or suggested changes for new and existing locations to management.

· Assures that existing and new benefit programs are adaptable to standardized computer and reporting systems. Develops benefit information and statistical and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers, and management. 

· Provides monthly reporting of plan statistical data to management.

· Processes all employee enrollment, terminations and changes of events to ensure accurate payroll deductions and accuracy of data with carriers and HRIS.

· Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. Maintains contact in person, and by phone or mail with insurance companies, employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.

· Supervises maintenance of enrollment, application, and claims records for all benefit plans.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE A Bachelor's degree and 4-5 years experience in Benefits Administration OR any appropriate combination of education and experience.Experiecne with compensation, in particular with creating job profiles and job grades, is preferred.Must be resourceful, proactive and collaborative and also to work well independently and anticipate needs and concernsSkilled at prioritizing and handling multiple projects under tight deadlinesDemonstrated ability to make timely, effective decisions using sound judgementAttention to detail, accuracy and throoughness is a necessityDynamic oral and written communication skillsExcellent overall computer skills with proficiency in Excel and WordAbility to maintain confidentiality of sensitive informationMulti-unit experience necessaryPHR Certification a plusSpanish speaking a plus