Benefits Manager - individual contributor

RJI Search; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A global organization based in New York is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to oversee the administration of employee benefits programs. This individual will manage health and welfare plans, retirement offerings, and wellness initiatives. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in employee benefits and is proficient in HRIS platforms. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential for this hands-on role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with employee benefits programs.
• Ability to handle sensitive information discretely.
• Strong organizational and productivity skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and HRIS platforms.
• High attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Technical benefits knowledge and HR system fluency
• Dependability and adaptability
• Strong organizational and productivity skills
• Ability to lead initiatives and manage multiple stakeholders
• Customer-focused and solutions-oriented mindset

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily benefit operations for efficiency.
• Manage annual benefits enrollment cycle.
• Develop relationships with benefit partners.
• Evaluate benefit offerings to ensure competitiveness, compliance, and financial sustainability.
• Oversee processes related to benefits enrollment, life event changes, COBRA administration, and claims assistance.
• Monitor market trends and conduct benchmarking to guide future plan enhancements.
• Administer wellness initiatives and manage associated vendor platforms and program funds.
• Manage various leave of absence programs, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, and personal leave policies.
• Serve as a resource to employees, providing clear and timely communication on all benefit-related matters.

Skills

Managing employee benefits programs

Strong communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Technical benefits knowledge

Customer-focused mindset

Leadership initiative

Customer-focused

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

Tools

HRIS platforms

HRIS platforms

Job description

Benefits Manager - individual contributor

This range is provided by RJI Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Hybrid – Minimum 2 days/week in-office (NYC)

A well-established, globally connected organization is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager who is a hands-on, individual contributor to oversee the administration, optimization, and communication of comprehensive employee benefits programs. This individual will play a key role in managing health and welfare plans, retirement savings, leaves of absence, wellness initiatives, and other core offerings to support a diverse employee base. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of compliance requirements and is proactive in ensuring an exceptional employee experience through effective benefit program management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily benefit operations to ensure timely and efficient execution. Manager of the Benefits function, not of teams.
• Lead the annual benefits enrollment cycle, including communications, education initiatives, and system readiness.
• Manage relationships with benefit partners, including brokers and third-party administrators for healthcare, disability, retirement, and wellness.
• Evaluate benefit offerings to ensure competitiveness, compliance, and financial sustainability.
• Oversee processes related to benefits enrollment, life event changes, COBRA administration, and claims assistance.
• Monitor market trends and conduct benchmarking to guide future plan enhancements.
• Administer wellness initiatives and manage associated vendor platforms and program funds.
• Manage various leave of absence programs, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, and personal leave policies.
• Serve as a resource to employees, providing clear and timely communication on all benefit-related matters.

Required qualifications

• 7+ years of experience managing or working within employee benefits programs, including 401(k), medical, leave administration, and wellness plans.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and HRIS platforms.
• High attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Technical benefits knowledge and HR system fluency
• Dependability and adaptability
• Strong organizational and productivity skills
• Ability to lead initiatives and manage multiple stakeholders
• Customer-focused and solutions-oriented mindset