Benefits Manager
At ExplorUS, you will be part of a people-first organization dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences across some of the country's most unique destinations. As our Benefits Manager, you will play a key role in designing, administering, and continuously enhancing benefits programs that support a diverse, multi-state workforce.
This is a hands-on role where you'll manage the day-to-day administration of health, welfare, retirement, leave, and wellness programs while serving as the primary liaison with our benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors. You'll build strong partnerships to ensure exceptional service, resolve complex issues, evaluate program performance, and identify opportunities to improve both the employee experience and the value of our benefits offerings. Working closely with HR and business leaders, you'll help shape benefit strategies, lead annual renewals and program enhancements, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and deliver benefit programs that attract, retain, and support our employees as our organization continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, voluntary benefits, retirement plans, leave programs, and paid time off for a multi-state workforce
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, state leave laws, eligibility requirements, taxation, and mandated offerings
- Partner with brokers, carriers, vendors, TPAs, Payroll, and HR Operations to support plan administration, billing audits, open enrollment, PTO administration, compliance filings, and employee communications
- Lead annual open enrollment activities, including HRIS configuration, employee education, training, reconciliation, and ongoing support for employee and manager benefits inquiries
- Administer the company’s 401(k) and retirement plans, including enrollments, payroll contributions, distributions, audits, benchmarking, renewals, and compliance reporting
- Oversee leave of absence and accommodation programs, ensuring consistent and compliant administration across all jurisdictions
- Support internal and external audits, resolve escalated benefits issues, maintain benefits policies and notices, and drive continuous improvement of benefits and employee recognition programs
- Supervise and support the Benefits Coordinator, ensuring timely, accurate administration of benefits programs and employee recognition initiatives
- Support the compensation management process through analysis, benchmarking, reporting, and program administration.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in benefits administration and HR operations supporting multi-state employees
- Strong knowledge of ACA regulations, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and state leave laws
- Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration platforms
- Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a compliance-driven environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications - CBP, SHRM-CP, or similar certification
- Experience supporting complex state leave programs (CA, NY, IL, CO, WA, HI, etc.)
- Employee Navigator experience
- Compensation planning experience a plus
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status and all other status protected by law
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