Benefits & Wellness Manager (Hybrid)

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% 401(k) contribution

Employee Health Center access

Job summary

Wake County's Benefits & Wellness Manager leads the comprehensive benefits and wellness strategy, overseeing self-insured plans and an integrated leave program. The role directs open enrollment, renewals, system updates, compliance, and strategic plan design enhancements to strengthen the employee experience and cost-effectiveness.

The position requires strong leadership and deep understanding of complex benefits environments, with a track record of building productive relationships across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR related field with six years HR experience incl. two in management.
• Experience managing benefits, wellness programs and vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of benefits laws and regulations and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Managing daily operations of benefits and wellness programs to maintain reliable, high-quality service
• Overseeing vendor contracts, addressing escalated concerns, and ensuring strong vendor performance
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant benefits laws and regulations
• Maintaining plan documents, required reporting, and participant communications
• Reviewing and reconciling benefits accounts and invoices to ensure accuracy
• Serving on the County's Benefits Committee and recommending updates driven by data, market trends, and organizational needs
• Leading major system and program initiatives that strengthen program performance
• Developing communication strategies in partnership with vendors and Communications to support clear and accessible employee information
• Partnering with HR, Legal, Payroll, IT, and other departments to improve processes and ensure operational alignment
• Coaching, developing, and supporting staff, to foster engagement, performance, and growth

Skills

Leadership

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field

Six years of experience in human resources administration, including at least two years of human resources management experience

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

As the Benefits & Wellness Manager, this role guides Wake County's comprehensive benefits and wellness strategy and ensures programs effectively support the wellbeing of a wide-ranging workforce. The position oversees a suite of self-insured plans including medical, dental, pharmacy, disability, retirement, EAP, and an integrated leave program, along with the County's nationally recognized holistic wellness program.

This leader directs high-impact initiatives such as open enrollment, benefits renewals, system updates, regulatory compliance, and strategic plan design enhancements. The work centers on strengthening the employee experience, advancing operational efficiency, and ensuring programs remain competitive, cost-effective, and responsive to organizational needs.

Success in this role requires strong leadership capability, a deep understanding of complex benefits environments, and the ability to build productive relationships across the County. The manager brings clarity to intricate benefits issues, supports employees and leaders with accuracy and care, and contributes to shaping the long-term vision for Wake County's benefits philosophy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing daily operations of benefits and wellness programs to maintain reliable, high-quality service
• Overseeing vendor contracts, addressing escalated concerns, and ensuring strong vendor performance
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant benefits laws and regulations
• Maintaining plan documents, required reporting, and participant communications
• Reviewing and reconciling benefits accounts and invoices to ensure accuracy
• Serving on the County's Benefits Committee and recommending updates driven by data, market trends, and organizational needs
• Leading major system and program initiatives that strengthen program performance
• Developing communication strategies in partnership with vendors and Communications to support clear and accessible employee information
• Partnering with HR, Legal, Payroll, IT, and other departments to improve processes and ensure operational alignment
• Coaching, developing, and supporting staff, to foster engagement, performance, and growth

About Our Team

Wake County's Human Resources Department partners closely with county leadership to deliver innovative, results-driven, and customer-focused HR programs and services. With a team of about 70 dedicated professionals, we provide a wide range of support including Benefits and Employee Wellness, Recruitment, Rewards and Recognition, Employee Relations, Training, and more.

Our department is consistently recognized for excellence in wellness and talent management. Through forward-thinking strategies that serve as industry models, we've helped position Wake County as a national leader in public sector HR. Honors such as the Healthiest Employer Hall of Fame and the Agency Award for Excellence reflect our commitment to creating a thriving workplace.

We invite you to explore our competitive benefits package, which includes a 5% 401(k) contribution and free access to the Employee Health Center. Join us in building a stronger, healthier, and more innovative Wake County.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
• Six years of experience in human resources administration, including at least two years of human resources management experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

Candidates who bring a blend of analytical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a strong customer-service mindset will be especially successful in this role.

• Advanced degree in human resources, public