Benefits Manager

Casella Waste Systems, Inc; Town of Halfmoon (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in waste management is seeking a proactive Benefits Manager to oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance and enhancing employee engagement. The role involves managing a team, collaborating with HR and finance, and innovating benefits delivery in line with organizational growth.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K

Tuition Assistance

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in benefits administration.
• 5 years of progressive experience in leading a team.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to employee benefits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration of employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance and effective delivery.
• Lead a team of benefits analysts and manage vendor relationships.
• Develop communication strategies for employee education on benefits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or related field

Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP)

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a knowledgeable, proactive leader for our benefits team. The Benefits Manager will oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored benefits, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations and compliance with regulatory requirements. This position will work collaboratively with the Director of Human Resources Operations to deliver a dynamic total rewards architecture by designing compliant benefit plans that enhance employee engagement, boost talent retention, and support overall organizational success.

This position ensures that our employees receive exceptional support by working closely with finance and external vendors to effectively deliver and communicate benefits programs. The Benefits Manager will lead a team of benefits analysts, ensuring efficient and accurate benefits administration.

#INDSJ

Key Responsibilities

• Works with HR leadership to innovate the benefits organization to create and enhance programs that support the changing needs of employees and their families through a transformational delivery system utilizing key field representatives, ensuring the team is able to support company growth.
• Ensures the administration of employee benefits programs, including retirement, medical, dental, and life and disability insurance plans, are current, competitive, and compliant with regulatory requirements throughout our footprint.
• Develops and implements communication strategies to educate employees about benefits options, changes, and enrollment processes, shifting the team's focus from a transactional approach to one that transforms the employee benefits engagement experience.
• Manages relationships with benefits vendors, third-party administrators, and brokers to ensure high-quality service delivery and develop new value-added offerings.
• Collaborates with the corporate finance team in the monthly reconciliation of benefit plan deductions and invoices to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Leads the benefits renewal process, including pricing and strategy, ensuring equitable programs meet employee needs, comply with legal requirements, and are cost-effective.
• Researches and analyzes benefits performance and utilization data and trends to develop recommendations for program improvements and presents summary information to the Benefits Committee.
• Ensures the preparation and timely filing of plan discrimination testing, ACA 1095-C and 1094-C reporting, Form 5500s, and Summary Annual Reports, along with other federal and state annual regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Conducts periodic audits of benefit programs, procedures, policies, and workflows and develops processes to improve department efficiency and enhance overall benefit process productivity.
• Participates in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales and services and performs any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and/or abide by our core values.
• Manages and provides leadership to team members by effectively communicating, establishing clear goals and objectives, coaching team members on achieving goals, and ensuring access to training and development opportunities that assist employees in attaining the necessary skills to achieve team and corporate results.
• Ensures compliance with all company, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws regarding employment and employee safety.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the Benefits Manager position will hold a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business administration, or a related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience in benefits administration, demonstrating growth in responsibilities and proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits administration software and 5 years of progressive experience in leading a team. Professional certification in benefits administration (e.g., CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP) and experience with vendor management and contract negotiation are strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to employee benefits, including ERISA, EGTRRA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, and ACA, is essential. The candidate must possess excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, along with strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret data for decision-making.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for building relationships and providing exceptional customer service. The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment, maintain confidentiality, and embrace change is vital.

Attributes

Collaborative, open-minded, self-motivated individual who embodies commitment and dedication to the customer and organization, is analytical, innovative, and results-oriented, exercises sound judgment and has the ability to multitask and see the larger picture while focusing on detailed information.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Maternity & Parental Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Discounted Stock Program, 401K, Employee Awards, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Incentive, Tuition Assistance, Career Pathways, and More.