Human Resources Manager - Benefits

Ramsey County; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County is seeking a Benefits Manager in the Human Resources Department to lead strategy and daily operations of employee and retiree benefit programs. You will oversee a six-person team, manage vendor relationships, data analytics, communications, and service delivery for employees, retirees, and families across Minnesota.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in HR or related field, five years’ HR experience with leadership, and a strong focus on equity and HIPAA/ACA/COBRA compliance.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressive and professional level HR experience with an emphasis in the area assigned.
• Two years of supervisory or leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Benefits division and establish priorities, performance expectations, and budget within public-sector constraints.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive benefits strategy advancing equity and operational efficiency; lead annual open enrollment.
• Manage design, administration, and communication of employee and retiree benefits including health and welfare plans and retirement coordination.
• Procure and manage group insurance contracts, including RFPs, vendor negotiations, and compliance with procurement and legal requirements.
• Develop clear communications and education materials to improve employee understanding of benefits.

Skills

Leadership

Benefits strategy

Vendor management

Data analytics

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources

Tools

Dashboards

Job description

This vacancy is in the Human Resources department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

The Benefits Manager leads the strategy and day-to-day operations of Ramsey County’s employee and retiree benefit programs—ensuring they are competitive, equitable, fiscally responsible, and aligned with organizational goals. This role oversees a team of six and manages benefits administration, vendor partnerships, data and analytics, communications, and service delivery for employees, retirees, and their families. Join a mission-driven organization where your work truly matters. Ramsey County is known for its commitment to equity, innovation, and employee well-being. Here, you’ll find a collaborative culture, meaningful work that strengthens communities across Minnesota, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive.

To lead and direct a designated function of the Human Resources Department, such as learning and development, talent management, operations, benefits, or leave administration, providing senior professional level human resources services to county leadership, service teams, departments, employees, and retirees; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, see the Flexible Workplace Policy.

Benefits

1. Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
2. Lead Benefits division; establish clear priorities, performance expectations utilizing continuous improvement practices; and administer the budget within public-sector fiscal constraints.
3. Develop and implement a comprehensive benefits strategy advancing equity, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility maximizing Total Rewards value; lead annual open enrollment, including planning, communications, employee education, implementation, and updates to benefit materials and systems.
4. Manage design, administration, and communication of employee and retiree benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement coordination, wellness initiatives, voluntary benefits, and related service delivery functions.
5. Procure and manage group insurance contracts, including developing RFP specifications, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and ensuring compliance with county procurement and legal requirements; manage vendor relationships monitoring performance, pricing, quality, compliance, and issuing resolution across carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
6. Develop clear, accessible communications and education materials that strengthen employee understanding of benefits and support effective engagement with programs and resources.
7. Conduct data driven analysis of benefits utilization, cost trends, actuarial assumptions, workforce demographics, and service metrics; prepare dashboards and reports to inform budgeting, policy, and strategic planning.
8. Ensure regulatory compliance with HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, IRS regulations, ERISA (as applicable), and Minnesota statutes, including overseeing audits, actuarial reviews, filings, and required reporting.
9. Maintain and improve benefits policies and procedures, monitor legislative and market changes partnering with benefits consultants, Finance, Purchasing, Legal, Labor Relations, and departmental leaders, and serve as the escalation point for complex benefits issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance per the position’s management approved work schedule is required.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Organizationl Development, Psychology, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related area.

Experience

Fiveyears of progressive and professional level human resources or human resources related experience with an emphasis in the area assigned, including at least two years of experience working in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Substitution

Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Certification/Licensure

None.

Veteran's Preference

This is a classified, managerial position that is exempt from the examination and certification requirements, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position meets the requirements for an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.

Criminal Background Checks

All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation

Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.