AD Manager, Employee Benefits

Company Overview

AMSTED Industries is a diversified global manufacturer of industrial components serving primarily the railroad, vehicular and construction and building markets. Combining leading-edge manufacturing processes with a history of continuous innovation, we're proud to be leaders in each of the market segments we serve.

Operating under the Amsted Industries umbrella since 1962, today we're meeting the growing needs of a global market with 75 facilities in 13 countries across 6 continents. Amsted is employee owned, which allows our employees to share in the success of the company and provides employees with significant retirement savings.

Role Overview

Amsted Industries is seeking a Manager, Employee Benefits to join our Total Rewards team in Chicago. In this role, you will lead the administration, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of our employee benefits programs, helping ensure our offerings remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with business objectives. You will partner closely with HR, Finance, vendors, and business leaders to manage benefit programs, support strategic initiatives, enhance the employee experience, and navigate an evolving regulatory environment. This role serves as a key subject matter expert for benefits and compliance and is ideal for a professional who enjoys balancing strategy, analytics, and hands-on program management.

Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy and Administration:

• Lead benefits system configuration and administration requirements
• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, leave and disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness, and other perquisites
• Evaluate and recommend new benefits programs that align with business objectives as well as enhance employee attraction, retention, and motivation
• Participate in annual benefit planning, vendor negotiations, and renewal processes
• Analyze benefits data to monitor program effectiveness, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations for improvements
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand the effectiveness of Amsted's benefits offerings
• Manage benefit program expenses and vendor invoicing while supporting budget planning, cost control, and financial stewardship
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and business integrations by aligning and implementing employee benefit programs
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding benefits
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess their impact on benefit programs and organizational compliance

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to develop, maintain, and enhance benefits policies and procedures
• Lead technology and process improvement initiatives that enhance the employee experience and increase operational efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, FMLA, Section 125 cafeteria plan requirements, state and local leave regulations
• Manage benefits-related projects, system implementations, and continuous improvement initiatives from planning through execution
• Coordinate annual compliance activities, filings, testing, and audits
• Analyze claims, utilization, and enrollment data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and uncover opportunities for program optimization
• Maintain plan documents, summary plan descriptions, notices, and administrative procedures
• Partner with internal and external legal counsel on benefits-related compliance matters

Employee Communication and Support:

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and escalation point for complex benefits questions from employees, HR teams, and business leaders
• Support the development, implementation, and communication strategies to educate employees and HR Managers about Amsted's total well-being offerings
• Lead annual open enrollment activities
• Lead change management and communication efforts related to new programs, system enhancements, and regulatory updates
• Conduct benefits orientation sessions and provide ongoing support

Vendor Management:

• Support relationships with benefits providers and vendors, including but not limited to negotiating and managing contracts, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service
• Manage Amsted's employee-facing benefits administration website, including being the first level support for Amsted's subsidiaries
• Partner with HRIS and payroll teams to ensure data integrity and successful integrations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree is required
• 3+ years of progressive compensation and benefits experience
• Strong knowledge of compensation and benefits laws and regulations
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• A plus for proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software
• A plus for certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or CCP (Certified Compensation Professional)
• Exceptional ability to collaborate, provide technical support, and train team members
• Strong problem solving/analytical skills with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Ability to work in a dynamic organization by balancing multiple priorities
• Knowledge of laws related to human resources and payroll, including ERISA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, MPHEA, CAA, FLSA, Wage & Hour and EEO regulations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, with initiative and accuracy

Compensation & Benefits:

• Excellent base salary and targeted annual bonus structure
• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life and disability protection.
• Participation (100% company paid) in Amsted Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP
• Company 401k program match
• Wellness reimbursement

Amsted is a privately held, 100% employee-owned company! Our commitment to employee's professional satisfaction includes creating space and opportunities to be creative and an integral part of our innovation journey and business success.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all areas, including but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, selection, training, education, compensation, benefits, promotion, job transfer, upgrading, separation and recall regardless of the individual's race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, and/or other protected categories under all Federal, State, and local laws. For more information, please view our Integrity and Inclusion pages of our career site.

The full range for this position, across all geographies is $100,000 - 140,000 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrated strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by location, qualification, and prior experience.