Manager of Benefits

Req ID: 407851 

BASIC PURPOSE: Acts as a subject matter expert for all aspects of employee benefits programs.  Manages administration of employee benefit programs company wide. Surveys industry to determine company’s competitive position in the market with employee benefits. Designs, develops, recommends new or modified benefit programs, benefit policies, and responsible for the oversight of existing plans and the administration. Develops cost control procedures to assure maximum coverage at the least possible cost and risk to company and employees.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers employee benefits programs such as defined contribution plans, medical, prescription, vision, dental, voluntary plans, life and AD&D insurance, temporary disability, wellness programs, and paid time off as well as vendor management.
• The Benefits Manager will interface with plan vendors, HR, Communications, IT, Payroll, Finance, Accounting and other internal departments.
• Regularly evaluates and negotiates vendors in search of opportunities for cost-savings. 
• Benchmark benefit programs to remain competitive position in labor market. Analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for review by management and Senior Executives.
• Prepares and executes, with legal consultation, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan text, benefit agreements, and insurance policies. Instructs TPA, insurance carriers, and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefit programs. Ensures prompt and accurate compliance.
• Assures company compliance with provision of Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Supervises preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies. Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary changes to management.
• Leads and directs the work of the Benefits team.
• Focused on administering established benefit policies and procedures with some impact and approval on departmental budgeting, strategic planning, and procedural changes. 
• Manages the preparation of all benefits education and communication initiatives, webinars, etc…to ensure prompt, accurate, and thoughtful delivery of benefit communications for a diverse employee population including New Hire, Open Enrollment, Wellness and other educational pieces.
• Handles benefits inquires and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. Maintains contact in person, and by phone or mail, with hospital, physicians, insurance companies, employee, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.
• Recommends cost containment ideas. Oversees audits. Reconciles benefits accounts by approving billing statements.
• Other managerial and administrative duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 – 7 years of related work experience in benefits administration management for a large company preferred.
• Knowledgeable and stays current of principles, practices and procedure in benefits administration including 401(k) and non-qualified plans and laws related to: ERISA, PPACA, HIPAA, etc.
• Experience with various HRIS and benefits administration systems helpful. 
• Position requires flexibility to work longer than 40 hours per week as necessary.

SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office specifically in MS Excel required.
• Exceptional analysis, communication, problem solving, attention to detail, self-starter, ability to multitask, focus on priorities and organizational skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable and willing to present and interact at all levels of the organization, strong negotiating skills, good math skills, detail oriented, well organized, flexible, able to perform multiple tasks, and collaborate with other team members and departments.
• Must possess the ability to manage, motivate and coordinate others workload and coach as applicable. Strategic thinking skills. Ability to meet deadlines.  Ability to analyze data and reports. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to synthesize rules, regulation, and legislation and apply to real-life situations.
• Must have empathetic customer service orientation, including the ability to relate to employees and apply employee dispute resolution strategies. Ability to give feedback and present to direct reports, colleagues, and management.
• Ability to handle and balance multiple projects.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Job Function(s): Corporate 

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the industry-leading travel stop network in the United States. For more than 55 years, we’ve provided customers with highway hospitality and “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with fuel, food and supplies. We offer meals from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and everything needed to get back on the road quickly. The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets
• Speedco, the light mechanical and trucking service specialists
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert