Benefits Manager

Kelley Drye; World Trade Center (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP in New York City seeks a Benefits Manager to lead development, administration, and evolution of the firm’s benefits programs for employees and partners. This strategic leader partners with firm leadership to design competitive programs, enhance well-being, and improve the employee experience.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this role oversees benefits strategy, vendor management, compliance, communications, and program administration, driving continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field required.
• 7–10 years of experience in employee benefits administration with leadership experience.
• Advanced knowledge of benefits laws and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enhance comprehensive employee and partner benefits programs aligned with talent strategy.
• Lead annual benefits renewal including plan design evaluation, utilization analysis, budgeting, forecasting, vendor negotiations.
• Oversee administration of medical, dental, retirement, and wellness programs.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA and related regulations.
• Communicate benefits information and support onboarding and employee inquiries.

Skills

Vendor management

Benefits knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field

7–10 years in employee benefits administration

Job description

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, a powerhouse firm with the heart of a boutique, is seeking a Benefits Manager in the NY Office to lead the development, administration, and ongoing evolution of the firm’s employee and partner benefits programs. As a key member of the Human Resources team, the Benefits Manager will oversee all aspects of benefit plan strategy, vendor management, compliance, employee communications, and program administration, ensuring a best-in-class benefits experience.

This strategic and hands-on leader will partner closely with firm leadership to design and administer competitive benefits programs that support employee well-being, enhance the employee experience, and reinforce the firm’s commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional talent. The successful candidate will combine strong technical benefits expertise with outstanding service, communication, and problem-solving skills to drive continuous improvement across all benefits offerings.

Working closely with the Chief People Officer, Director of Human Resources, and the Retirement & Benefits Committee, the Benefits Manager will play a critical role in evaluating, recommending, and implementing benefits strategies that align with the firm’s business objectives, culture, and talent priorities. This position will serve as a trusted advisor on benefits-related matters and help ensure the firm’s programs remain competitive, compliant, and responsive to the evolving needs of employees and partners.

Responsibilities

Strategy, Program Management, and Implementation

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance comprehensive employee and partner benefits programs that support the firm’s talent strategy, employee well-being, recruitment, retention, and business objectives.
• Analyze and benchmark the firm’s benefits offerings against peer law firms and professional services organizations, recommending program enhancements to maintain market competitiveness.
• Lead the annual benefits renewal process, including plan design evaluation, utilization analysis, budgeting, forecasting, vendor negotiations, and cost management.
• Prepare and present strategic recommendations to firm leadership regarding benefits programs, risk management, employee experience, market trends, and long‑term sustainability.
• Develop and utilize reporting, analytics, and key performance metrics to measure program effectiveness and support data‑driven decision‑making.

Benefits Administration, Compliance, and Vendor Management

• Oversee the administration of all employee and partner benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, disability, wellness, employee assistance, and leave programs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, and related regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for brokers, consultants, carriers, third‑party administrators, and other benefits vendors regarding plan administration, contracts, audits, renewals, and service delivery.
• Lead and manage the firm’s annual open enrollment process, ensuring effective communication, accurate administration, and a positive employee experience.
• Oversee benefits technology, reporting, audits, system integrations, data integrity, and process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and internal controls.

Leave Administration and Disability Management

• Manage and monitor all leave‑of‑absence and disability programs, including short‑term and long‑term disability, workers’ compensation, parental leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, family and medical leave, and other protected leaves.
• Partner with attorneys, employees, directors, managers, Payroll, Human Resources, and external vendors to ensure the timely and accurate administration of leave and disability programs and return‑to‑work processes.
• Provide guidance regarding benefits eligibility, leave administration, accommodations, and related compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting related to leave and disability programs, ensuring compliance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.

Employee Experience, Communication, and Onboarding

• Develop and deliver benefits communications, educational materials, presentations, and training programs to increase employee understanding and engagement with available benefits.
• Serve as a trusted resource to partners, attorneys, and professional staff on benefits‑related matters, resolving inquiries and providing exceptional customer service.
• Coordinate and manage benefits onboarding for new partners, attorneys, and professional staff, ensuring timely enrollment and a seamless onboarding experience.
• Support wellness, well‑being, employee assistance, and other programs designed to promote employee engagement, health, and overall workforce satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Human Resources, Chief People Officer, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and firm leadership to ensure effective delivery and continuous improvement of benefits programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, plus seven to ten years of experience in employee benefits administration, including at least two to three years in a lead or manager‑level capacity.
• Experience managing self‑funded health plans, benefits operations, vendors, compliance activities, and open enrollment is required. Experience in a law firm environment and with Workday is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of benefits laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, Form 5500 requirements, SARs, Summary Plan Descriptions, tax codes, and other legal requirements.

The salary range displayed is specifically for potential hires who will work or reside in New York City if selected for the role. Any offered salary will be determined based on factors such as internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data and ranges, the applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, and certain degrees and certifications (e.g., JD or technology certifications). New York City Salary Range: Low: $ 140,000 High: $ 180,000

Please be advised that all communications regarding open positions at our firm will exclusively originate from email addresses ending in @kelleydrye.com. We encourage you to exercise caution and verify the source of any communication claiming to represent our firm.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).