Human Resources Benefits Manager

Service Specialists Ltd; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Specialists Recruiting Agency is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead strategy, design, and administration of the company’s benefits and leave programs across multiple states. This strategic, hands-on role partners with leadership, HR, Finance, employees, and external vendors to ensure competitive and compliant programs.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in benefits analysis and program management, strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, and proven vendor negotiation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources and/or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in analysis, plan design, implementation and administration of benefit programs.
• 3+ years leading a benefits function and team.
• In-depth knowledge of compliance laws and regulations for benefit and retirement plans; California laws experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of the financial structures and drivers of self-insured benefit programs.
• Certifications in the field are desired – CEBS, CBP, CMS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR/PHR or CCP.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for benefits best practices, compliance, market competitiveness, and emerging trends.
• Lead strategy, design, administration, and continuous improvement of the company’s comprehensive benefits portfolio.
• Lead the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for benefits brokers, carriers, third-party administrators, consultants, and other benefit vendors.
• Lead RFP processes and negotiations with carriers, brokers, and providers to achieve competitive pricing, strong service, and meaningful value.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual benefits budget and long-term financial outlook.
• Analyze claims utilization, premium structures, participation, trends, and other data to forecast benefits spend and make recommendations to HR and Finance leadership.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state requirements related to employee benefits and leave programs.
• Develop and implement effective employee education and communication strategies that make benefits easier to understand and use.
• Build strong, trusted relationships across the organization and establish credibility as a benefits expert and business partner.
• Collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, Payroll, leadership, managers, and employees across the organization.

Skills

Benefits strategy

Compliance knowledge

Vendor management

Budgeting & cost control

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/HR or related field

Job description

Hybrid flexibility may be available

Service Specialists Recruiting Agency is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager for a well-established, multi-state professional services organization. This role will oversee the strategy, administration, compliance, and ongoing improvement of the company’s benefits and leave programs. The Benefits Manager will partner with leadership, HR, Finance, employees, and external vendors to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business and employee needs.

This is a strategic, hands‑on role for someone who is proactive, resourceful, and passionate about improving employee experience.

In This Role

• Serve as the subject matter expert for benefits best practices, compliance, market competitiveness, and emerging trends.
• Lead strategy, design, administration, and continuous improvement of the company’s comprehensive benefits portfolio.
• Lead the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for benefits brokers, carriers, third-party administrators, consultants, and other benefit vendors.
• Lead RFP processes and negotiations with carriers, brokers, and providers to achieve competitive pricing, strong service, and meaningful value.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual benefits budget and long-term financial outlook.
• Analyze claims utilization, premium structures, participation, trends, and other data to forecast benefits spend and make recommendations to HR and Finance leadership.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state requirements related to employee benefits and leave programs.
• Develop and implement effective employee education and communication strategies that make benefits easier to understand and use.
• Build strong, trusted relationships across the organization and establish credibility as a benefits expert and business partner.
• Collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, Payroll, leadership, managers, and employees across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources and/or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in analysis, plan design, implementation and administration of benefit programs.
• 3+ years leading a benefits function and team.
• In-depth knowledge of compliance laws and regulations for benefit and retirement plans; experience with California labor and benefit laws a plus.
• Knowledge of the financial structures and drivers of self-insured benefit programs.
• Certifications in the field are desired – CEBS, CBP, CMS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR/PHR or CCP.