Senior Benefits Strategy & Vendor Manager

Global Industrial; Roslyn Heights (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Industrial is seeking a Senior Benefits Leader to design and manage health and welfare programs for a large, distributed workforce. You will oversee self-funded medical plans, stop-loss strategy, vendor relationships, and compliance with ERISA and HIPAA, while partnering with Finance, HRIS, and Payroll.

The role emphasizes data-driven cost management, open enrollment leadership, and clear benefits communications across a shift-based workforce.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of progressive benefits experience.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and multi-state compliance.
• Experience with vendor negotiations, renewals, and RFPs.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret claims and financial data.
• Experience with HRIS platforms (SuccessFactors or similar).
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentations.
• Experience supporting industrial, distribution, or manufacturing populations.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, design, and annual planning for all health & welfare programs.
• Own self-funded medical plan performance, including stop-loss strategy, network evaluation, and high-cost claimant oversight.
• Analyze claims trends, utilization, and cost drivers; develop recommendations for cost containment and population health improvement.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, accruals, and long-range cost modeling.
• Lead annual renewals, RFPs, and negotiations for medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and voluntary benefits.
• Manage broker and carrier relationships, ensuring strong SLA performance and issue resolution.
• Oversee day-to-day benefits administration, eligibility, life events, and HRIS/carrier data accuracy.
• Partner with HRIS and Payroll to ensure accurate system configuration, data integrity, and process alignment.
• Identify areas for process improvement, use of AI, and automation.
• Lead Open Enrollment strategy, communications, testing, and execution.
• Provide oversight of LOA, disability, and workers' compensation coordination with HR, Safety, and third-party administrators.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and multi-state leave laws.
• Own 5500 filings, plan documents, SPDs, SBCs, and required notices.
• Maintain SOX controls and support internal/external audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates.
• Develop clear, accessible benefits communications tailored to a distributed, shift-based workforce.
• Lead benefits education initiatives to improve understanding and engagement.
• Oversee wellness and population health programs focused on MSK, chronic conditions, and safety-related risks.
• Partner with HR, HRIS, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Safety to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Present recommendations, financial impacts, and program performance to senior leadership.

Skills

Benefits strategy

ERISA compliance

Vendor negotiations

Data analysis

HRIS (SuccessFactors)

Executive communication

Industry experience

Job description

Global Industrial is seeking a Senior Benefits Leader to design and manage health and welfare programs for a large, distributed workforce. You will oversee self-funded medical plans, stop-loss strategy, vendor relationships, and compliance with ERISA and HIPAA, while partnering with Finance, HRIS, and Payroll.

The role emphasizes data-driven cost management, open enrollment leadership, and clear benefits communications across a shift-based workforce.