Benefits Manager

• Position: Benefits Manager • Position Summary: The Benefits Manager supports day-to-day operations of the Benefits Administration team, supervises and develops staff, manages workloads and service levels, serves as an escalation point for complex benefit and payroll issues, partners with Payroll, Accounting, and insurance carriers to resolve discrepancies, reviews complex benefit transactions, supports audits and reconciliations, maintains benefits documentation and procedures, and assists with process improvements and special projects to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant benefits administration and high-quality client and employee service. • Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Assist senior leadership with managing day-to-day operations of the Benefits Administration team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant benefit processing and service delivery. • Provide direct supervision and support to Benefits Specialists and Senior Benefits Specialists, including coaching, guidance, and performance feedback. • Monitor team workloads, Zoom/Client Space queue coverage, and case volumes to ensure service-level expectations are met. • Serve as an escalation point, along with senior leadership, for complex employee and client benefit issues that may require advanced review or coordination. • Review and approve complex benefit transactions, including qualifying life events (QLEs), payroll deduction corrections, arrears calculations, and manual enrollments. • Support the team with hands-on assistance during peak periods, escalations, or staffing gaps as needed. • Ensure benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, and employer contributions are processed accurately and in accordance with plan rules and company policies. • Partner with Payroll and Billing & Recon to resolve benefit-related payroll discrepancies and deduction issues. • Communicate directly with insurance carriers to resolve escalated plan or enrollment issues and support ongoing operations. • Oversee audits of benefit enrollments and payroll deductions; ensure discrepancies are identified, documented, and resolved. • Assist in the development, maintenance, and consistent application of benefits-related SOPs, FAQs, and process documentation. • Identify process gaps, training needs, and opportunities for operational improvements; partner with leadership to implement solutions. • Support client-facing teams by providing operational guidance and clarification on benefit administration processes. • Participate in special projects and initiatives related to benefits administration as assigned. • Note: Regular, on-site attendance is an essential job function due to the need for secure access to systems, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, participation in operational meetings, and hands-on involvement in activities that cannot be performed remotely without compromising security, efficiency, or effectiveness. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Marginal Functions: • Build, maintain, and promote relationships with team members and peers across disciplines to ensure effective coordination of communications and services affecting clients. • Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on best practices related to the company and department. • Complete projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor. • Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and build positive working relationships. • Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal departments to support seamless operations and workflow coordination. • Strong work ethic, commitment to teamwork, and contribution to a collaborative and supportive work environment. • Sound decision-making abilities, including evaluating complex