Benefits Program Manager – Part Time, 20hrs/week

Jobtailor; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior benefits leader to design and manage comprehensive employee benefit programs in Wisconsin. You will partner with HR and finance to forecast costs, oversee open enrollment, and ensure retirement plan compliance with ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA rules.

The role requires a CEBS certification and a minimum of ten years in benefits administration, including retirement plans. You will work with HRIS, payroll, and benefits teams to optimize processes and data accuracy.

Qualifications

• CEBS certification required.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in benefits administration with direct knowledge of retirement plans and compliance.
• Broad knowledge of employee benefits and ability to read plan documents.
• Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA regulations.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll, and electronic records systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new initiatives to establish competitive and cost-effective benefits programs.
• Forecast benefit costs, analyze utilization data, and advise senior leadership on improvements.
• Oversee annual benefit plan renewal activities and support open enrollment.
• Ensure compliance testing and regulatory adherence across ERISA/ ACA requirements.
• Oversee 401(k) and pension plan administration and audits.

Skills

CEBS

Benefits Administration

Retirement Plan Compliance

Data Analysis

Employee Benefits Strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Payroll Systems

Electronic Record Systems

Job description

• Lead the development of new initiatives to establish competitive and cost-effective benefits programs
• Develop a competitive benefits strategy to attract and retain 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 annual benefit plan renewal activities and support open enrollment
• Develop policies and procedures for benefit and welfare program administration
• Resolve escalated and complex benefits issues
• Monitor the COBRA program
• Partner with Payroll on ACA requirements
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of compliance testing
• Oversee the operational effectiveness of benefits administration, retirement programs, operations, company policies, data accuracy, and compliance
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, ERISA, and ACA
• Participate in quarterly EBAC meetings
• Collaborate with internal and external counsel on plan document amendments and restatements
• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, auditors, and benefits consultants
• Administer and oversee 401(k) and pension plans
• Ensure proper retirement plan operations according to plan documents and regulatory requirements
• Monitor plan performance and partner with the administrator on plan enhancements
• Manage annual 401(k) and pension plan audits, including audit preparation and responses to auditor requests
• Oversee retirement compliance testing, including 401(k) nondiscrimination testing

Requirements

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) required
• Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in benefits administration with direct knowledge of retirement plans and benefits compliance
• Proven hands-on experience and broad knowledge of employee benefits
• Knowledge 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 tact, good judgment, responsiveness, and follow-through
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Effective and thorough research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex, deadline-driven processes and projects
• Experience working with HRIS, benefits administration, payroll, and electronic record systems
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or another relevant field preferred

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in benefits administration, including compliance with ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA regulations, while effectively managing retirement plans and employee benefits programs. Proven ability to analyze data, develop strategies, and maintain relationships with stakeholders to enhance benefits offerings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• Benefits Administration
• Retirement Plan Compliance
• Data Analysis
• Employee Benefits Strategy

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Benefits Compliance
• Retirement Plan Management
• Cost Forecasting
• Policy Development
• Utilization Data Analysis
• 401(k) Administration
• Pension Plan Oversight
• Compliance Testing
• Plan Document Interpretation
• Medicare Knowledge

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Effective Communication
• Initiative
• Judgment

Certifications & Qualifications

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)

Industry Keywords

• ERISA
• ACA
• HIPAA
• COBRA
• Employee Benefits
• Welfare Programs
• Open Enrollment
• Compliance Risks
• Third-Party Administrators
• Audit Preparation

Tools & Technologies

• HRIS
• Payroll Systems
• Electronic Record Systems