Benefits Manager

LHH Recruitment Solutions; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH Recruitment Solutions in New York, NY seeks an experienced Benefits Manager to join the HR team on a temp-to-perm basis. You will be the subject matter expert for employee benefits, leave administration, and reasonable accommodations.

The role requires deep knowledge of benefit plan management, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and compliance. You will partner with insurers and administrators, lead open enrollment, and guide employees and leadership through complex issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of benefits admin experience including leave management and accommodations.
• In-depth knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA and related regulations.
• Experience in handling employee relations involving medical leaves and accommodations.
• Strong vendor management and benefit plan design experience.
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll, and benefits platforms.

Responsibilities

• Administer and oversee all employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary plans).
• Serve as the organization's primary expert on benefits, leave administration, and reasonable accommodations.
• Manage all leave programs including FMLA, ADA leave, paid family leave, workers' compensation, disability, and applicable state/local regulations.
• Lead the interactive process for accommodation requests, ensuring compliance with ADA and related laws.
• Interpret and communicate benefit provisions, eligibility requirements, and leave policies to employees and managers.
• Audit benefit enrollments, deductions, invoices, and carrier records for accuracy and compliance.
• Develop, update, and maintain policies, procedures, and employee communications related to benefits and leave programs.
• Support HR leadership with reporting, compliance audits, vendor management, and strategic benefits initiatives.

Skills

Benefits administration

Leave management

ADA compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Benefits platforms

Job description

Compensation: $42-$45/hour (temporary) | $85,000-$90,000 annually upon permanent conversion, depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to join our Human Resources team on a temp-to-perm basis. This role requires a true subject matter expert in employee benefits, leave administration, and reasonable accommodations. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of benefit plan management, federal and state leave regulations, ADA accommodations, and compliance requirements, while serving as a trusted resource for employees and leadership. Responsibilities align closely with established Benefits Manager functions, including benefits administration, leave management, and ADA compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and oversee all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit plans.
• Serve as the organization's primary expert on benefits, leave administration, and reasonable accommodations.
• Manage all aspects of leave programs, including FMLA, ADA leave, paid family leave, workers' compensation, disability, and applicable state and local leave regulations.
• Lead the interactive process for accommodation requests, ensuring compliance with ADA and other applicable laws.
• Interpret and communicate benefit plan provisions, eligibility requirements, and leave policies to employees and managers.
• Partner with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve complex benefits and leave-related issues.
• Manage open enrollment activities, employee communications, and benefits education initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and other federal, state, and local regulations.
• Audit benefit enrollments, deductions, invoices, and carrier records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Develop, update, and maintain policies, procedures, and employee communications related to benefits and leave programs.
• Analyze benefits utilization and recommend improvements to enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness.
• Support HR leadership with reporting, compliance audits, vendor management, and strategic benefits initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive benefits administration experience, including significant responsibility for leave management and accommodations.
• Demonstrated expertise in FMLA, ADA, reasonable accommodations, workers' compensation, disability programs, ERISA, COBRA, ACA, and HIPAA.
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters involving medical leaves and accommodation requests.
• Strong knowledge of benefit plan design, administration, and vendor management.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems.
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related certification preferred.
• Experience supporting a large and diverse employee population.
• Proven experience leading open enrollment and benefits communication campaigns.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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