Benefits Manager

JRM Construction Management; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JRM Construction Management in New York is seeking an experienced HR Benefits Manager responsible for managing employee benefits programs to ensure competitiveness and compliance. You will lead open enrollment and partner with vendors while supporting diverse operational needs.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience, preferably in the construction industry, and a relevant Bachelor's degree. The annual salary for this position ranges from $140,000 to $150,000.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration, preferably within construction or project-based industry.
• Strong working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability programs.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and administer benefits programs with vendors.
• Evaluate benefits offerings for competitiveness and compliance.
• Lead annual open enrollment processes and employee communications.

Skills

Employee benefits administration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Job description

The HR Benefits Manager is responsible for the design, administration, and ongoing management of the company’s employee benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short‑term and long‑term disability, worker’s compensation, life insurance, flexible spending plan and 401(k) plan) supporting a diverse workforce that includes corporate staff and field employees. This role ensures that benefit offerings are competitive, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with the company’s operational needs and culture within the construction industry.

The Benefits Manager serves as the primary subject‑matter expert for health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, and benefits compliance, while acting as a strategic partner to HR leadership, finance, legal and external brokers and vendors.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Responsible for managing and administrating the benefits programs in partnership with our benefits vendors. This includes managing the day‑to‑day relationships with vendors (i.e., carriers, brokers, etc.), researching, troubleshooting, and resolving escalations for benefits inquiries.
• Evaluate benefits offerings annually to ensure market competitiveness, cost control, and alignment with workforce needs.
• Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and employee communications.
• Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, and third‑party administrators.
• Support benefit renewals, claims analysis, and cost‑containment strategies.
• Coordinate vendor performance reviews and resolve escalated employee issues.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA reporting, State‑specific leave and benefits requirements (e.g., paid family leave, disability).
• Partner with Legal and Finance on plan documentation, audits and filings.
• Act as escalation point for complex employee benefits questions and issues.
• Develop clear, accessible benefits communications for both office‑based and field employees.
• Partner with HR Business Partners on employee lifecycle events impacting benefits (hires, terminations, leaves of absence).
• Maintain benefits data accuracy across HRIS and vendor platforms.
• Produce benefits metrics and reporting for HR leadership (participation, utilization, cost trends).
• Support optimization of HRIS and benefits administration tools.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Operations to establish process efficiencies.
• Provide guidance and training to employees on benefits processes.
• Support broader HR and Total Rewards initiatives as needed.
• Manage the implementation and roll‑out of new and/or current initiatives for the wellness program.
• Keep abreast of current legislation and health care industry and its effect on employee benefits and employer compliance requirements.
• Maintain Summary Plan Descriptions for all benefit plans.
• Conduct benefits orientation for new hires.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration, preferably within construction, real estate or a project‑based industry.
• CEBS, SHRM‑CP/SHR‑SCP or similar certification preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), and leave programs.
• Experience managing open enrollment, vendor relationships, employee communications, and benefits‑related compliance.
• Experience with HRIS and benefits platforms (e.g., UKG).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex benefits information to a diverse employee population.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and strong follow‑through.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret benefits data, resolve discrepancies, and identify trends.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proactive problem‑solver who can independently manage competing priorities and escalate issues appropriately.

Computer Systems

• Proficiencies in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), as well as familiarity with HRIS systems.
• Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat and PDF.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Salary Information

• To the extent this role is performed in New York City, the annual salary range is $140,000 – $150,000.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at JRM without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.