Senior Benefits Strategy Lead

Lactalis USA; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis USA in Buffalo NY is seeking a Senior Manager, Benefits to lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of US health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs, overseeing vendor management and compliance while partnering with HR, Finance, Payroll, and HRIS.

You will manage a team of three Benefits Specialists, drive annual enrollment, design cost-efficient plans, analyze utilization and trends, ensure ERISA/HIPAA/ACA compliance, and deliver employee communications

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive benefits experience focused on health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs.
• Master's degree preferred in HR, Management, Finance or related field.
• CEBS or similar benefits certification is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA and related compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of US health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs.
• Oversee eligibility, enrollment, life events, payroll deductions, vendor integrations, COBRA, retirement programs, and annual enrollment.
• Manage relationships with benefits vendors, brokers, consultants, carriers, and third parties.
• Partner with Payroll, HRIS, Finance, HR leadership, and external providers for accurate administration and compliance.
• Establish operational controls, SOPs, audits, and service standards to support scalable operations.
• Lead annual renewals and budget management through plan design evaluation, benchmarking, and cost containment.
• Analyze utilization, claims, market trends, feedback, and vendor performance for enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA and retirement-related regulations.
• Develop employee communications, education, training, and self-service resources for benefits engagement.
• Serve as senior escalation point and SME for complex benefits and retirement matters.

Skills

Benefits strategy

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree preferred

HR/Management/Finance background preferred

Job description

Lactalis USA in Buffalo NY is seeking a Senior Manager, Benefits to lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of US health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs, overseeing vendor management and compliance while partnering with HR, Finance, Payroll, and HRIS.

You will manage a team of three Benefits Specialists, drive annual enrollment, design cost-efficient plans, analyze utilization and trends, ensure ERISA/HIPAA/ACA compliance, and deliver employee communications