Benefits Manager

Distro; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Distro is seeking a Benefits Manager to lead the Benefits Administration team, ensuring accurate and compliant processing while guiding staff and collaborating with Payroll, Accounting, and insurers. The role emphasizes supervision, issue escalation, and ongoing process improvements to deliver high-quality service to clients and employees.

The position requires strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with a focus on maintaining compliance, audits, and efficient operations in a

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent; 2–5 years in managerial benefits experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Strong time-management and organizational abilities essential.
• Proven leadership, coaching and team development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of Benefits Administration team to ensure timely, accurate processing.
• Supervise Benefits Specialists and Senior Benefits Specialists; provide coaching and feedback.
• Monitor workloads, queues, and case volumes to meet service levels.
• Escalate complex employee and client benefits issues with senior leadership.
• Review complex benefit transactions, payroll deductions, and enrollments for accuracy.
• Coordinate with Payroll, Billing & Recon and insurance carriers to resolve discrepancies.
• Support audits, reconciliations, and SOP/documentation improvements.
• Lead process improvement projects to enhance efficiency and client service.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Time management

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Job description

The Benefits Manager role maintains direct involvement in day-to-day operations of the Benefits Administration team, while also providing direct supervision, guidance, and support to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant benefit processing. This role manages team workloads and service levels, serves as an escalation point for complex benefit and payroll issues, and partners closely with Payroll, Accounting, and insurance carriers to resolve discrepancies. The Benefits Manager reviews complex benefit transactions, supports audits and reconciliations, maintains benefits documentation and procedures, and assists with process improvements and special projects to support efficient benefits administration and high-quality client and employee service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist senior leadership with managing the day-to-day operations of the Benefits Administration team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant benefit processing and service delivery.
• Provide direct supervision and support to Benefits Specialists and Senior Benefits Specialists, including coaching, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Monitor team workloads, zoom/client space queue coverage, and case volumes to ensure service-level expectations are met.
• Serve as escalation point, along with senior leadership, for complex employee and client benefit issues that may require advanced review or coordination.
• Review and approve complex benefit transactions, including qualifying life events (QLEs), payroll deduction corrections, arrears calculations, and manual enrollments.
• Support the team with hands‑on assistance during peak periods, escalations, or staffing gaps as needed.
• Ensure benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, and employer contributions are processed accurately and in accordance with plan rules and company policies.
• Partner with Payroll and Billing & Recon to resolve benefit-related payroll discrepancies and deduction issues.
• Communicate directly with insurance carriers to resolve escalated plan or enrollment issues and support ongoing operations.
• Oversee audits of benefit enrollments and payroll deductions; ensure discrepancies are identified, documented, and resolved.
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and consistent application of benefits-related SOPs, FAQs, and process documentation.
• Identify process gaps, training needs, and opportunities for operational improvements; partner with leadership to implement solutions.
• Support client‑facing teams by providing operational guidance and clarification on benefit administration processes.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives related to benefits administration as assigned.
• Regular, on‑site attendance is an essential job function due to the need for secure access to systems, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, participation in operational meetings, and hands‑on involvement in activities that cannot be performed remotely without compromising security, efficiency, or effectiveness.

Marginal Functions

• Build, maintain and promote relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and all other company team members ensuring effective coordination of communications and services affecting clients.
• Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on best practices related to the company and department.
• Complete projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and build positive working relationships. Strong time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment. Strong ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments to support seamless operations and workflow coordination. Strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork, contributing positively to a collaborative and supportive work environment. Sound decision making abilities, including evaluating complex information and determining appropriate actions. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Proven leadership skills, including the ability to train, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams. High level of professionalism, reliability, and enthusiasm, contributing to a positive workplace culture. Exceptional attention to detail, including the ability to thoroughly review printed documents and ensure they meet quality and accuracy standards.

Education & Experience Associates degree or equivalent combination of 2 – 5 years of managerial group benefit experience, skills, education (including other relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training programs) preferred.

Physical, Mental, & Communication Demands Physical Demands: Sedentary Work: Primarily involves sitting for extended periods, often at a desk or computer. Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse,…