Benefits Program Manager

National Guardian Life Insurance Company; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is seeking a Benefits Program Manager to oversee employee benefits, retirement and wellness programs. This hybrid role requires about 10 days in the office per month, with flexible remote options and a Madison, WI base.

You will lead benefits strategy, ensure ERISA/ ACA/ HIPAA compliance, and partner with HR, payroll and external vendors to design, implement and maintain competitive, cost-effective plans. Ten years in benefits administration preferred.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressive benefits administration experience, including retirement plans and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA and HIPAA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of competitive and cost-effective benefits programs.
• Forecast benefit costs, analyze utilization data, and advise senior leadership.
• Coordinate with brokers, vendors and payroll on benefits design and compliance.
• Oversee open enrollment and annual plan renewals, and administer 401(k) and pension plans.
• Ensure COBRA, HIPAA, ACA compliance and regulatory adherence.

Skills

Benefits administration

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

HIPAA compliance

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

CEBS certification

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Benefits administration software

Job description

We are adding a Benefits Program Managerto our team!This position is a hybrid position requiring 10 days in office per month.

Who We Are:

Since 1909, NGL Insurance Company (NGL) has been one of America's most successful and highly rated independent life insurance companies. We specialize in a suite of innovative products for life's journey, giving people the financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind to lead a life filled with confidence, dignity and grace.

NGL's Core Values - integrity, dependability, collaboration, compassion and growth are a foundation of our company and help to build on the interactions we have with our policyholders, partners, funeral homes and each other. We believe in creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to live their best, most authentic self. We offer Employee Resource Groups for employees to get involved, learn, network, and offer professional and personal development opportunities.

With over 100 years of experience, our passion is to serve people. Learn more.

Work Environment: NGL offers a flexible work environment where employees can work fully remote, hybrid or onsite at our Madison, Wis. office. We support virtual working arrangements in certain states outside of WI.

A Day in the Life:

The Benefits Program Manager is responsible for the oversight, administration and compliance of all NGL's employee benefits, retirement and wellness programs, ensuring NGL's benefits are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with federal and state regulations. This position collaborates closely within Human Resources, Payroll and external vendors to design, implement, and maintain an effective benefits strategy.

Primary Responsibilities:

Benefits Strategy & Compliance

• Lead the development of new initiatives to establish competitive and cost-effective benefits programs.
• Develop a competitive benefits strategy that attracts and retains top talent.
• Direct planning with brokers on benefits design, new initiatives, presentations, and communications.
• Forecast benefit costs, analyze utilization data, and advise senior leadership on benefits improvements, additions, issues, and transitions.
• Oversee the annual benefit plan renewal activities and support open enrollment.
• Develop policies and procedures for benefit and welfare program administration.
• Responsible for escalated and complex benefits issues.
• Monitor COBRA program while staying current on COBRA and HIPAA regulations.
• Partner with Payroll on ACA requirements to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of compliance testing.
• Oversee the operational effectiveness of benefit administration, retirement programs, operations, company policies, data accuracy and overarching compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state laws, ERISA, the NGL Board Resolutions Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Join quarterly EBAC (Employee Benefits Advisory Committee) meetings and collaborate with internal and external counsel on amendments and restatements to plan documents.
• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, auditors and benefits consultants.
• Administer and oversee retirement programs, including 401(k) and pension plans.
• Ensure proper plan operations in accordance with plan documents and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor plan performance and partner with administrator on plan enhancements.
• Manage annual 401(k) and pension plan audits, including preparation of audits and responses to auditor requests.
• Oversee retirement compliance testing, including 401(k) nondiscrimination testing (NDT)

Essential to Your Success:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with NGL employees, management, retirees, and third-party vendors
• Proven hands-on experience and broad knowledge of employee benefits
• Knowledgeable of Medicare, medical supplement plans, and pension plans
• Knowledge of ERISA, ACA and HIPAA regulations
• Ability to read, understand and interpret benefit plan documents
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, and retirees through the use of tact and good judgment, responsiveness and follow-through
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and sound judgement
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Effective and thorough research, analytical, and problem solving skills
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex, deadline-driven processes and projects
• Experience working with HRIS, benefits administration, payroll and electronic record systems

Education Requirements:

• Preferred:Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or other relevant field preferred.
• Required:Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) required

Years of Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in benefits administration with direct knowledge of retirement plans and benefits compliance.

NGL is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

NGL is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail].