Benefits Manager

About the Role

The Benefits Manager position is responsible for managing planning and execution of the group benefits and retirement programs. The Benefits Manager also provides excellent vendor management and internal cross-functional coordination, investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and monitors benefits utilization as well as designs employee benefits plans and provides analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefit programs.

Your Responsibilities

• Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
• Manages the design recommendation and implementation of new benefits programs.
• Works closely with the brokerage team on plan designs, projections, and cost estimates.
• Manages the negotiation with vendors and administrators for best plans options and rates.
• Evaluates and revises internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes. Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Leads plan compliance and testing, vendor management, and plan document regulatory updates.
• Audits the accuracy and performance of functions performed by benefits team. Analyzes current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs.
• Manages both short- and long-range cost estimates, projections, and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
• Completes benefits and retirement surveys and review information obtained from the results.
• Assist with the development of specific recommendations for review by management.
• Oversee the communication tools to enhance understanding of the companys benefits package.
• Oversee the design and distribution of materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions.
• Manage and develop the benefits team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Lets Talk About Your Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors Degree Preferred (Major: Human Resources, Business, Mathematics).
• Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of experience in related benefits or employee benefits administration.
• Certifications: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred; CEBS preferred.
• Supervision: Prior Supervisory experience preferred.

HR Expertise

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, HRIS, and benefits databases.
• Knowledge of benefits contract language.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing, and compliance requirements (both adopted and pending) affecting employee benefits programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.

Excellent communication and organization skills.

Critical Evaluation

• Relationship Management.
• Project and team management, leadership skills, and experience.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with employees.
• Capability of effective planning and priority setting.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs. Ability to understand, evaluate, and make judgment on the proposals/RFPs.

Ethical Practice

• Can manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Inventive, proactive, growth mindset, inclusion.

Leadership Attributes

At Wabash we pride ourselves on being empowering and there are some things we feel very strongly about:

• Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness.
• Seek to Listen: Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions.
• Always Learn: Strive to improve, do not quit or settle for the status quo.
• Be Authentic: Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do.
• Win Together: Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash.

Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash.

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.