Benefits Manager

Great Day Improvements - Benefits Manager Overview

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, administration, and communication of employee benefits programs, including health, welfare, 401(k), leave of absence, and workers' compensation. This role ensures compliance with IRS federal, state, and local regulations regarding employee benefits, ERISA and DOL. This role will manage vendor relationships and continually evaluate the competitiveness of current benefit offerings to attract and retain top talent.

The Benefits Manager works closely with the Director of Total Rewards to align benefits programs with overall total rewards strategy and Great Day's goals.

Twinsburg, OH / Hybrid

• Partner with the Director of Total Rewards to design, implement, and manage comprehensive benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k), etc.) that align with Great Day's total rewards strategy.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable federal and state laws.
• Oversee the annual open enrollment process, including communications, system setup, and vendor coordination.
• Monitor self-insured plans, reviewing stop-loss insurance and working closely with brokers on renewals and negotiations.
• Stay informed on industry trends and new offerings that may enhance the employee value proposition.
• Administer and oversee leave of absence programs, including FMLA, short-term and long-term disability, and other state or company-sponsored leave programs.
• Administer and oversee worker's compensation and return-to-work programs. Partner with Safety Team and operations teams to provide data, trends, and recommendations to create a safer workplace and environment.
• Act as a liaison between employees, managers, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers to ensure timely and accurate processing of claims.
• Analyze workers' compensation claims trends and recommend strategies to reduce workplace injuries and associated costs.
• Resolve complex issues where analysis requires advanced analytical thought and judgment. Develop functional plans, including business, operational, and financial priorities that contribute to business strategy.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to effectively educate employees about available benefits, including wellness initiatives.
• Provide support for escalated employee benefit issues, including claim disputes, plan design questions, leave policies, and workers' compensation matters.
• Assist Director of Total Rewards in overseeing the 401(k) program. Ensure the 401(k) plan is competitive and cost effective.
• Partner with the annual audit team and conduct all regulatory filings, i.e., 5500s, nondiscrimination testing, annual plan filings.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field; master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) a plus.
• 4-6 years of experience in benefits administration, including leave of absence and workers' compensation management, with at least 2 years in a management role.
• Strong understanding of self-insured health plans, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Familiarity with benefits regulations (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, etc.).
• Experience managing leave of absence programs and workers' compensation claims.
• Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in HRIS and benefits management systems, ADP a plus.
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

• Communicates effectively by writing clearly and informatively; adapts writing style to meet the needs of internal and external customers.
• Exhibits excellent organization, attention to detail, and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; approachable, friendly, and welcoming personality.
• Provides excellent judgment and decision-making skills by considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to translate vision into action and to handle multiple projects at once with competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking acumen with an ability to make timely, effective, ethics-based decisions.

INDGDI