Benefits Manager, US Disability, Leave & Voluntary Benefits

Job Description Summary
The Benefits Manager for US Disability, Leave & Voluntary Benefits will be responsible for the strategic design, performance, and compliance of our organization's comprehensive suite of disability, leave, life insurance, and voluntary benefits programs. This experienced professional will play a crucial role in ensuring that our benefits offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and fully compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with exceptional project management and communication skills to serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and senior leadership and an ability to navigate and manage in a complex matrixed environment

Job Description

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic program management: Design, develop, and recommend benefits programs and enhancements to align with corporate strategy and industry trends.
• Leave administration: Interface with our internal and external vendor partners as plan owner providing strategic direction for all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), parental leave, and other statutory or company-sponsored leaves.
• Life insurance programs: Manage the basic and voluntary life insurance programs, including enrollment, life event changes, and claims processing.
• Voluntary benefits oversight: Assure that company voluntary benefits programs such as supplemental insurance, discount programs and access to other services that are contemporary and align with the needs of U.S. employees
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure all plans are compliant with federal, state, and local laws, including FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, and other relevant regulations.
• Tracking plan performance: Collaborate with business partners and vendors to track plan performance (e.g. cost, utilization & benchmarking). Develop and monitor dashboards to share with TR leadership and other business stakeholders.
• Employee support and communication: Serve as a subject matter expert for employee and management inquiries on benefits, leaves, and policies. Develop and collaborate on clear, effective communications and education materials.
• Vendor management: Select, negotiate with, and manage external vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure exceptional service, competitive offerings, and cost-effective delivery. Collaborate with our internal/external administration and sourcing partners.
• Process improvement: Analyze program data and metrics to identify trends, improve processes, and enhance the overall employee experience.
• Collaboration: Partner with HR Business Partners, Legal, People Operations, Sourcing, Finance and others to ensure program adequacy, performance, and compliance.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits management within a large, complex organization, preferably in the manufacturing industry. Employer benefits consulting or insurance carrier subject matter experience would also be helpful.
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or SHRM-CP/SCP are highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge: Expert knowledge of federal and state leave and disability laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Analytical skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex data and trends.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically.
• Technical proficiency: Proficient with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and benefits administration platforms.