Manager, Benefits & People Operations

ZipRecruiter; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media agency in New York seeks a Manager of Benefits & People Operations. The role involves managing the administration of employee benefits, ensuring compliance with HR regulations, and enhancing employee communication on benefit offerings. The position promotes a collaborative work environment and encourages continuous learning.

Benefits

Flexible PTO policies

401k with company match

Sponsored healthcare options

Paid sabbaticals

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in benefits administration.
• Hands-on experience with HR operations and policies.
• Experience with UKG is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee benefit programs, ensuring compliance and effective communication.
• Administer leave programs and oversee benefit administration tasks.
• Ensure compliance with HR regulations and policies.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

WHO WE ARE

Crossmedia is the global media independent. We're committed to doing media and business the right way, guided by the principles of TRUST, REASON and the pursuit of HAPPINESS. Crossmedia US was founded in NY in 2000 and is one of the largest minority-owned full-service media planning & buying agencies in the nation. We are 500+ Crossmedians worldwide with big ambitions to continue to grow with soul.

We focus on what media agencies should do: create innovative connections between brands and people regardless of channel or budget. And, we do it in an honest way. We are and always have been a values-based organization. We earn our clients TRUST by ensuring media transparency in our business model and objectivity in decision-making. We apply REASON & logic to finding solutions to our clients' greatest business challenges. The pursuit of HAPPINESS matters to us. Big time. We invest in each colleagues' professional & personal wellbeing and growth. It's why we have countless initiatives, clubs & cultural events dedicated to our people and why we have been the top ranked media agency named to Ad 's Best Places to Work for the past six years in a row.

Our client roster includes US Bank, PWC, Invesco, Newell Brands, NASCAR, Planet Fitness, Teremana, American Cancer Society, White Castle, Ricola, Supercuts, Edible Arrangements, Illva Saronno, Zalando, Airbus and more

YOUR ROLE

Reporting directly to our Chief People Officer and within Crossmedia's People Team, the Manager, Benefits & People Operations is responsible for the day-to-day day planning and execution of our benefits programs and compliance topics related to HR.

This role requires proximity to New York City. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of onsite work and the flexibility to work from home.

A team-player and culture champion. Your passion for company culture is infectious, and you love developing relationships. You enjoy being part of a team, bringing people together, and building a thriving community.

People-oriented. You are resourceful, and attentive, and you are comfortable in communicating with different personalities and a variety of management styles. You are approachable and have a "what can I do to help you?" mentality.

A self-starter. You know how to solve problems and being proactive comes second nature to you. You are a good listener and are not afraid to step up and present new ideas. You relish the challenge of finding ways to work smarter and more efficiently.

A continuous learner. You make it your business to stay on top of changes in laws impacting everything from benefits, labors laws, and everything in between. You embrace continuous learning and self-innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Administration

• Day to day administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, insurance, EAP, paid time off, and voluntary benefits.
• Administer and manage qualified and non-qualified retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), including compliance, contribution oversight, accurate reporting, audits, and employee support for long-term financial planning.
• Partner with internal leadership and external brokers in the annual benefits review, by conducting research, analyzing plan options and performing cost analysis
• Manage relationships with benefit partners for escalated support needs, including claims administration, appeals, COBRA, retirement administration, and HRIS data integrity.
• Reconcile and submit for payment all benefits invoices, automate the process of invoice reconciliation, and maintain accurate records of processing.

Leave Management:

• Administer and oversee all employee leave programs, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and company-paid or unpaid leave policies (ensuring compliance with all laws)
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and ensure timely communication with employees throughout the leave lifecycle.
• Partner with payroll, benefits, and managers to coordinate leave cases, support business continuity, and ensure seamless transitions before, during, and after employee leaves

Compliance, Legal & Processes:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, DOL, and IRS (e.g., IRS Form 5500 series)
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes, policies and procedures accordingly ensuring clear communication with leadership.
• Review and revise personnel policies as needed, recommending updates to the employee handbook (benefits related) to maintain compliance with statutory requirements and alignment with the organization's culture and values
• Align with People Partner team to oversee all aspects of separations, including compliance with applicable laws, COBRA administration, and delivering continuation of employee benefits.

Communication & Employee Education

• Design and deliver clear, inclusive employee communications and education about benefit offerings, helping employees make informed decisions about their coverage and well-being.
• Conduct special education sessions to help employees understand company benefits and wellness programs.
• Develop and implement industry-leading holistic well-being program to address issues of mental health and substance misuse within our organization.

Other

• Skilled in using data analytics and reporting to assess and improve the effectiveness of benefits programs, making data-driven decisions
• A strong understanding of HRIS systems and technology to streamline and enhance the benefits administration processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• 5-7+ years of related benefits administration as well as HR operations and policies.
• Hands on experience in all administrative tasks related to benefits
• Experience in working directly with vendors and brokers.
• Leave management experience with managing the process (not through a 3rd party)
• Knowledge/experience with working with UKG a major plus
• Must be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, possess strong organizational skills and prioritization skills, work independently, and meet urgent deadlines
• Excellent written communication skills, including prior experience developing and documenting policies; excellent verbal communication skills, including preparing and conducting presentations.

Salary: $90 - $100,000, commensurate with experience. Compensation is determined on the skills, qualifications and tenure of the applicant.

CROSSMEDIA BENEFITS

Our principles of Trust, Reason, and the Pursuit of Happiness are brought to life through benefits that recognize and support the and physical, emotional, and professional well-being of our people, including:

• Flexibility to work in hybrid manner with in-office and work from home options (depending on role).
• Open/Flexible PTO with US & UK specific policies
• Sponsored healthcare options and agency-wide physical & mental health support
• 401k with company match (USA), and generous Pension (UK)
• Paid sabbatical at significant milestone anniversaries
• Generous paid parental leave policy
• Life milestone recognition & support
• The Pursuit of Happiness Fund devoted to helping Crossmedians find their happy (be it travel, enrichment class, fitness membership or professional development)
• Cell phone/tech reimbursement
• Student Loan payment plan (US)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Learning & Development and training programs
• And burgers – lots and lots of burgers

COMMITMENT TO AND

is in our DNA. As a minority-owned company, our commitment to an inclusive environment has long been embedded into agency practices and at every level. Almost one third of senior leadership identifies as a person of and over half of our executive leadership are women. We have active mentoring & programs that create opportunities for underrepresented groups. Internal agency programming is anchored by XMEquity365, a permanent, year-round initiative fostering acknowledgement and support of marginalized communities within five pillars – Excellence, Voices, Education, Giving & Representation.

Crossmedia is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and creating a diverse and inclusive company culture and that does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their , , , , , , , , veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements, business necessities and/or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws).

Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis." Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Ability to stand, bend, and reach
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Crossmedia, please email [e-mail].