Plan Manager - Rewards & Recognition

Benefit Plan Manager - Rewards & Recognition

Job Description

The Benefit Plan Manager - Rewards & Recognition is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of the company’s voluntary benefits and enterprise-wide recognition programs. This role oversees a diverse portfolio of offerings, including tuition reimbursement, legal insurance, associate discounts, service awards, employee assistance programs, same day pay, and home, auto, and pet insurance. The manager will lead the rollout of a unified rewards and recognition platform, ensuring alignment with the Total Rewards strategy and enhancing the associate experience through meaningful, accessible, and engaging benefit programs.

Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

• Lead the design, implementation, and enterprise-wide rollout of a centralized rewards and recognition platform.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all voluntary benefits and recognition programs.
• Collaborate with Total Rewards, Legal, Communications, and HR teams to ensure compliance and seamless execution.
• Partner with Associate Communications to develop and deliver engaging benefit materials and campaigns.
• Promote awareness and understanding of voluntary benefits through targeted communication strategies.
• Monitor utilization and performance of voluntary benefits; recommend enhancements based on data and associate feedback.
• Conduct financial and utilization analysis of assigned benefit plans; propose strategies to address trends and improve value.
• Support annual planning, budgeting, and reporting for assigned programs.
• Work with division HR teams, Total Rewards managers to administer assigned benefit plans.
• Partner with Labor Relations to administer benefits for union-represented associates, including implementation and communication.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving the associate experience.
• Oversee vendor relationships for assigned benefit plans, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and account management.
• Collaborate with Finance to establish and manage the Rewards and Recognition budget, including developing associated timelines to ensure alignment with organizational goals and fiscal planning.
• Review rates, renewals, and performance guarantee results with benefit plan analysts.
• Conduct year-end processes and ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
• Travel up to 10% to conferences and vendor facilities as needed to maintain industry knowledge and vendor partnerships.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum

• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, with a focus on voluntary benefits and recognition programs
• Strong understanding of benefit plan design, compliance, and financial analysis
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage vendor relationships
• Excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years previous benefits administration specifically in assigned benefit plans

• Job Identification 233813
• Job Category Human Resources/Diversity
• Posting Date 09/25/2026, 04:59 PM
• Locations 1014 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, US (On-site)

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well‑Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

– A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.

– Flexible scheduling…