Senior Manager of Benefits

SUMMARY

The Senior Benefits Manager will provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight for Mortenson's health, welfare, leave of absence, retirement, wellbeing, and recognition programs. Lead the development, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of benefit programs that support Mortenson's business objectives, reinforce company culture, and deliver a competitive and engaging team member experience.

This person will serve as the primary leader for benefit strategy, vendor management, compliance, financial stewardship, and team member engagement while developing and leading a high-performing benefits team. Partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, Payroll, Operations, and external vendors to ensure effective administration and continuous evolution of benefit programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute Mortenson's benefits strategy, ensuring programs align with organizational objectives, workforce needs, and Total Rewards philosophy.
• Evaluate market trends, legislative developments, benchmarking data, and emerging benefit practices to inform strategic recommendations.
• Lead benefit plan design reviews and vendor strategy initiatives that improve program effectiveness, team member experience, and organizational outcomes.

Benefits Administration and Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for administration of health, welfare, retirement, leave, wellbeing, and recognition programs.
• Establish operational controls, service standards, and performance metrics to support efficient plan administration.
• Lead annual enrollment activities and ongoing benefit program implementation efforts.

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with brokers, consultants, carriers, recordkeepers, wellbeing vendors, and other benefit service providers.
• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, performance evaluations, and renewal strategies.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, paid leave programs, and retirement plan requirements.

Team Member Experience and Communications

• Lead development of benefit communication and engagement strategies that improve understanding, appreciation, and utilization of programs.
• Champion initiatives that enhance employee wellbeing, mental health, financial wellness, and overall Total Rewards engagement.

Financial Stewardship

• Manage benefit program budgets, forecasting, financial reporting, and cost management initiatives
• Analyze plan utilization, financial trends, and vendor performance to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop recommendations that balance financial sustainability with competitive program offerings.

Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop benefits team members while creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Establish team goals, priorities, and development plans.
• Build organizational capability and succession strength within the Benefits function.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Mathematics, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive benefits experience.
• Minimum of three years of leadership experience managing professional staff and/or large-scale benefit programs.
• CEBS, SHRM, SPHR, or related professional certification preferred.
• Strong strategic leadership and business acumen.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefit plan design, administration, compliance, and governance.
• Strong financial analysis and budgeting capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive organizational change.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead through complexity and manage multiple priorities.

A few benefits offered include: 

(for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25+ hours / week)

• Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage 
• Dental plan 
• 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match
• Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves 
• Employer paid Life, AD&D, and…