Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategy, administration, compliance, and vendor management of company-sponsored benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement, leaves, wellness, and ancillary plans. This role ensures benefits are competitive, cost-effective, compliant with applicable laws, and aligned with Sportsman's Warehouse’s Total Rewards philosophy to attract and retain top talent.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer all employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life and disability, wellness, COBRA, and retirement programs, ensuring accurate eligibility, enrollment, billing, and payroll processes.
• Administer and oversee the worker’s compensation program and all leave-of-absence policies and processes (FMLA, ADA, state leaves), ensuring compliance and timely case management.
• Conduct benchmarking, market analyses, and surveys to evaluate competitiveness of company benefit offerings; prepare recommendations to leadership to maintain a strong labor market position.
• Develop, participate in, and analyze benefits surveys to support recommendations for a consistent and competitive benefits package across all company locations, where feasible.
• Prepare cost analyses for new and existing plans, including premium modeling and employer/employee cost-share recommendations for leadership review.
• Plan, develop, and execute benefits-related employee communications, including meetings, presentations, open enrollment materials, announcements, and digital content.
• Lead contract review, negotiation, implementation, and amendments with carriers, brokers, TPAs, and vendors; ensure adherence to service-level agreements and high-quality service delivery.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS, DOL, and state requirements), making program adjustments as needed.
• Manage preparation and submission of benefits-related reports and filings required by federal and state agencies (e.g., Form 5500s, 1095-C, SBCs, and notices).
• Serve as the escalation point for complex or sensitive benefits inquiries, resolving issues quickly, accurately, and with a high level of customer service.
• Provide leadership, direction, and ongoing coaching to Benefits team members; set priorities, monitor performance, and support professional development.
• Drive continuous process improvements, documentation, and standard operating procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Expert knowledge of health and welfare plan administration, retirement plans, and leave management.
• Strong understanding of benefits compliance requirements and reporting obligations.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data, identify insights, and present recommendations.
• Excellent vendor management, contract negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills; adept at explaining complex topics simply.
• High integrity, discretion, and customer service orientation; comfortable handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency with HRIS/benefits administration platforms and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–8+ years of progressive benefits experience; retail or multi-state, multi-site experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position manages one direct report.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is considered sedentary. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to,…