Strategic Health & Welfare Benefits Manager

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy in Akron, Ohio is seeking a Manager, Benefits to lead Health & Welfare strategy, plan design, and administration for active employees and retirees. You will oversee budgets, vendor governance, communications, and program implementation.

The role requires 7+ years in health and welfare benefits, strong leadership, and collaboration across HR, Finance, and Legal to ensure compliant, cost-effective benefits aligned with Total Rewards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related discipline; minimum 7 years of relevant experience (10 years if no degree).
• Experience managing a broad portfolio of Health & Welfare benefit programs.
• Strong knowledge of employer-sponsored medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance, wellbeing, spending accounts, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Experience with self-insured health plans and cost management.
• Knowledge of Health & Welfare regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Health & Welfare strategy, design, and administration across active employees and retirees.
• Manage multi-million-dollar Health & Welfare budgets and financial analysis.
• Oversee vendor governance, performance reviews, and contract renewals with providers and consultants.
• Oversee benefits communications and enrollment activities, ensuring a high-quality participant experience.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal/state requirements and maintain plan documentation.
• Lead market benchmarking to maintain competitiveness and alignment with Total Rewards.
• Coach and develop the benefits team; foster collaboration with HR and business partners.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Vendor management

Communication

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

FirstEnergy in Akron, Ohio is seeking a Manager, Benefits to lead Health & Welfare strategy, plan design, and administration for active employees and retirees. You will oversee budgets, vendor governance, communications, and program implementation.

The role requires 7+ years in health and welfare benefits, strong leadership, and collaboration across HR, Finance, and Legal to ensure compliant, cost-effective benefits aligned with Total Rewards.