Benefits Manager

Grand River Health; Rifle (CO); On-site; USD 4,902,000 - 7,001,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO from day one

Job summary

Grand River Health is seeking a Benefits Manager to lead the benefits program strategy, administration, and ongoing evaluation in Rifle, Colorado. You will oversee budgets, renewals, vendor relations, and regulatory compliance while enabling strong employee education and communication.

The role requires 3–5 years in benefits administration, a relevant degree, and leadership experience. You will collaborate cross-functionally to balance costs with employee needs within a supportive,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, including benefits strategy, vendor management, and budget oversight preferred.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits programs, plan design, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment and benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to quickly become proficient in organizational HRIS and related administrative systems within six (6) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees strategy, administration, and ongoing evaluation of the organization’s employee benefits programs.
• Provides leadership for benefits communications, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance.
• Leads annual renewal processes, vendor negotiations, and cost-containment initiatives.
• Manages benefits budgets, cost forecasts, and financial analyses using claims data and market benchmarks.
• Ensures open enrollment processes and employee education efforts are effective.
• Monitors compliance with ACA, COBRA, HIPAA and related regulations.

Skills

Benefits administration

Budgeting & forecasting

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

HRIS proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Benefits Manager
FT, Days Grand River Health | Rifle, CO

At Grand River, we are more than a hospital - we are neighbors taking care of neighbors proudly serving residents of Western Colorado and beyond. Our supportive culture is built on respect, friendliness, and a shared commitment to exceptional patient care.

What You’ll Do

The Benefits Manager oversees the strategy, administration, and ongoing evaluation of the organization’s employee benefits programs. This role ensures benefit offerings support organizational objectives, remain competitive within the market, and meet the needs of employees. The Benefits Manager also provides leadership for benefits communications, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance while contributing to continuous program improvement.

• Develops and manages benefits budgets, cost forecasts, and financial analyses using claims data, utilization trends, and market benchmarks.
• Leads annual renewal processes, vendor negotiations, and cost-containment initiatives while balancing employee experience and organizational priorities.
• Serves as the primary contact for brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators, addressing escalated concerns and monitoring vendor performance.
• Oversees open enrollment processes and employee education efforts to support informed benefits decisions.
• Monitors compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA requirements.
• Provides direction and support to the Benefits Specialist and assists with additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a knowledgeable and strategic HR professional with experience in benefits administration, financial analysis, and vendor management. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to balance organizational priorities with employee needs while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in benefits administration, including benefits strategy, vendor management, and budget oversight preferred.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits programs, plan design, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment and benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to quickly become proficient in organizational HRIS and related administrative systems within six (6) months of hire.

What We Offer

Our total rewards package includes

• Pay Range: $35.58-$50.82/hour (based on experience)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, PTO from day one, extended illness time, retirement plan with match, and more
• Perks: Payroll deductions for hot springs, gyms, ski passes, pet insurance, access to outdoor recreation, and more!

Compensation may vary outside this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience.

Position is open until filled unless posted otherwise.

Why Join Grand River Health?

As a special taxing district, we are accountable to our community, allowing us to prioritize exceptional patient-centered care over financial bottom lines.Our main hospital campus is located in picturesque Rifle, Colorado with twenty-five beds providing a wide range of services, along with a long-term care center and a satellite campus. While the secret is out that this is a great place to live, the atmosphere of a caring and friendly community has been preserved amidst a steady growth of population.

OUR MISSION:

To improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

OUR VISION:

To be our communities’ first choice in quality healthcare.