Benefits Manager
Job in
Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, 45201, USA
Listed on 2026-06-02
Listing for:
First Student Inc
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-06-02
Job specializations:
-
Management
Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Employee Relations, HR Manager, Talent Manager
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Manages the evaluation, planning, and day-to-day administration of a broad portfolio of health and welfare plans, encompassing numerous complex plan design variations for collectively bargained benefits. Oversees plan set-up, payment remittance, and deduction reporting in accordance with union contracts and business development agreements. Serves as the primary liaison with the third-party administrator, including monitoring service delivery and performance. Supports oversight of third-party vendors to ensure plans are administered efficiently and remain compliant with applicable state and federal requirements.
Ensures compliance with ERISA and with regulatory agencies, including the DOL, IRS, National Labor Relations Board, and others. Coordinates with internal and external auditors and is responsible for Form 5500 filings and other required disclosures.
Major Responsibilities
People Leadership & Team Development
* Provides day-to-day supervision and direction to the team, including workload management and performance standards.
* Develops staff to take on new challenges and implement more efficient processes.
* Provides coaching, feedback, and supports continuous improvement and change initiatives.
Benefits Administration & Operational Oversight
* Oversees benefits administration and issue escalation/resolution.
* Identifies, analyzes, and addresses trends and operational impacts to prevent recurrence.
* Coordinates planning, implementation, and ongoing administration of health and welfare programs.
Vendor, Union & Stakeholder Management
* Partners with union representatives, third‑party vendors, and internal business partners to resolve issues and improve outcomes.
* Collaborates with vendors, consultants, actuaries, and internal teams (payroll, compensation, retirement, HR, labor relations).
* Participates in Benefits Governance Committee meetings as a non‑voting member.
Enrollment & Program Execution
* Provides oversight and guidance for the annual health and welfare enrollment process.
* Coordinates with external administrators and internal stakeholders to meet business needs.
Strategy, Policy & Program Development
* Contributes to the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and objectives.
* Leads projects and programs supporting short‑ and long‑term company goals.
Compliance & Regulatory Management
* Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, and ACA.
* Interprets and administers benefit provisions of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
* Maintains adherence to corporate and departmental policies and procedures.
Employee Advocacy & Issue Resolution
* Responds to and resolves employee inquiries and concerns.
* Reviews, approves, or denies benefit exception requests.
* Manages the employee benefits appeals process in conjunction with the Sr. Director.
Reporting, Audits & Financial Oversight
* Facilitates preparation and submission of reports and governmental filings (e.g., Form 5500).
* Manages external, internal, and union audits, including non‑discrimination testing.
* Supports benefits budget preparation and oversight.
* Reviews vendor invoices for accuracy and ensures timely payment.
Additional Responsibilities
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education & Certifications Required
* Associate's Degree or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent work experience
Minimum Experience & Skills Required
* 5 or more years of experience in employee benefits management and administration with solid understanding of compliance requirements of various government agencies, and federal and state laws.
* 3 or more years of supervisory or management experience with proven ability to lead and manage a team of in-person and remote team members.
* Prior experience with a highly unionized workforce preferred, including the ability to interpret health and welfare provisions outlined in Collective Bargaining Agreements.
* Demonstrated experience in identifying and implementing significant process and system changes, including system updates and experience maintaining…
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