Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

About the Role

Surge Staffing is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead the strategic planning, administration, and continuous improvement of our employee benefits programs. This position is responsible for the overall management of the company's health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary benefits, including oversight of our self-funded medical plan and 401(k) program.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with strong regulatory knowledge, financial acumen, and experience managing complex benefits programs while delivering an exceptional employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Administration

• Lead the design, implementation, and administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and voluntary benefits.
• Oversee annual benefit plan renewals, plan design changes, and vendor negotiations.
• Evaluate plan performance, utilization trends, and financial results to improve outcomes and control costs.
• Ensure benefit programs align with organizational objectives, compliance requirements, and employee needs.

Self-Funded Medical Plan Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the company's self-funded health plan, including claims funding, vendor performance, and plan utilization.
• Partner with Finance to manage funding, reserve levels, and claims forecasting.
• Analyze claims data, stop-loss performance, and utilization trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators (TPAs), stop-loss carriers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), brokers, and other benefit vendors.

401(k) Administration

• Serve as the primary administrator and fiduciary liaison for the company's 401(k) plan.
• Oversee plan governance, compliance testing, audits, and vendor management.
• Ensure completion of annual nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor plan performance, participant outcomes, and vendor service levels.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including:
• ERISA
• HIPAA
• COBRA
• ACA
• IRS
• Department of Labor (DOL)
• Maintain plan documentation, reporting, internal controls, and audit readiness.
• Oversee required regulatory filings and ensure ongoing compliance.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for brokers, carriers, TPAs, and other benefit partners.
• Negotiate contracts, renewals, and service agreements.
• Monitor vendor performance and service-level expectations.
• Oversee benefits billing, reconciliation, and financial accuracy.

Leadership & Employee Support

• Provide leadership and guidance to Benefits Coordinators and Benefits Administrators.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate administration of all benefit transactions.
• Act as the escalation point for complex employee benefit questions and claims issues.
• Lead the annual Open Enrollment process, including planning, communication, and execution.
• Provide employees with education and support regarding benefit programs.
• Prepare reports and strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of the organization.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive benefits administration experience.
• Experience managing self-funded medical plans.
• Experience administering 401(k) retirement plans.
• Experience managing benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators.

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations.
• Strong understanding of self-funded health plan funding, financial management, and cost containment strategies.
• Excellent analytical and financial reporting skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Outstanding leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration systems, as well as Microsoft Office applications.

Why Join Surge Staffing?

At Surge Staffing, you'll have the opportunity to lead critical benefits initiatives that directly impact our employees while partnering with executive leadership to develop innovative, cost-effective programs. If you're passionate about benefits strategy, compliance, and delivering exceptional employee experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Surge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

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