US Benefits

Position Title: Benefits Manager
Department: Total Rewards, Human Resources
Location: Naperville, IL, USA

About Our Client Company

Our client is a global food-based infrastructure company with over 4,200 employees and over 30 global manufacturing brands. This company is a leading provider of equipment and technology solutions for agricultural commodities including seed, fertilizer, grain and feed systems and an expanding platform for food processing facilities.

The Opportunity

The Benefits Manager is responsible for overall planning, administration, compliance and audit of the Company’s US benefits programs. This role will be an internal subject matter expert on US Benefits, and will partner with internal HR Business Partners, and externally with 3rd party administrators and vendors.
The Team

This individual will report to the Senior Director of Total Rewards, and work in close collaboration with all the HR Business Partners for all our US locations.

Responsibilities

• Research employee benefits plans and vendors to identify those that present the best value.
  • Serve as primary contact for external vendors, third-party administrators and internal employees.
  • Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
  • Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
  • Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting/fees.
  • Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
  • Administer, review, and recommend group benefit programs, including the integration of benefits following mergers and acquisitions.
  • Assure multi-state compliance of benefit related regulations including the ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, PCORI, the ADA and their associated filings. Ensure accurate preparation and required distribution of reports, applications, plan documents, and summary plan descriptions as required. Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary or suggested changes to management. Coordinate company benefits, with government sponsored programs.
  • Manage the organization’s ACA filing process, coordinate the 5500 filings and complete annual audits in preparation for required federal and state filings.
  • Own the annual Open Enrollment process and manage employee benefits communications . Ensure benefits and rates are updated in UKG and carrier connections are accurately configured.
  • Ensure required notices are also posted timely and the benefits library is kept up to date.
  • Partner with internal management and external vendors to recommend and offer competitive benefit programs. Create benefits communication/education materials that highlight the total compensation package available to employees and their families.
  • Responsible for updating benefit documents annually, or as needed. This will require coordination with the insurance providers where necessary and editing internal company benefit documents as required, including external candidate benefit guides.
  • Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and quarterly reviews.
  • Audit the accuracy and performance of functions performed by HR Business Partners & Administrators.
  • Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
  • Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications and implementation of new programs.
  • Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
  • Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to employees.
  • Collaborate with payroll and ensure that employer contributions and payroll deductions are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Maintain and create records, reports, and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and provider regulations.
  • Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or related field, Group Benefits Associate (GBA) or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) professional designation preferred.
  • 5 years of related benefits or employee benefits administration experience across the US will be an asset.
  • Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and organization skills
  • Attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage time well
  • Project and team management skills and experience.
  • Ability to work effectively with HR Business Partners & Benefit Providers.
  • Self-directed and results-oriented
  • Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.
  • Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals (RFPs).
  • Knowledge of benefits contract language.
  • Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements.
  • Proficient using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
  • Proficient using HRIS software (UKG)