Benefits manager

Job Details

Description

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Position Overview

As the Benefits Manager, you will lead the strategic direction, continuous improvement, and effective execution of our employee benefits programs across the United States and Canada. Serving as a key driver of our Total Rewards philosophy, you will champion benefits strategy, ensure competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and compliance, and provide insights that influence business decisions at the highest levels. Partnering closely with HR, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams, you will use analytics and industry knowledge to shape benefits offerings that enhance our employee experience and support organizational goals. You will also play a pivotal role in overseeing vendor relationships, driving process improvements, and guiding the benefits team to deliver excellent service.

Key Responsibilities

Leads the strategic direction, design, and continuous improvement of all employee benefit programs across the United States and Canada.

• Develops and refines benefits strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, employee needs, market trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides insights and recommendations to senior leadership regarding plan design, competitiveness, cost management, and the employee value proposition.
• Serves as a member of the 401(k) committee, providing oversight of retirement plan operations, communications, and compliance in partnership with key stakeholders and external advisors.
• Oversees the administration and effectiveness of health, welfare, and wellness programs for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring programs are equitable, relevant, and cost-effective.
  
  

Oversees operational delivery and continuous improvement of benefit programs and associated processes.

• Leads and supports the benefits team in administering daily operations including enrollment, eligibility, plan changes, and life events.
• Ensures health, welfare, and retirement plans are administered in compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local requirements for both the U.S. and Canada.
• Coaches, develops, and trains benefits team members to provide knowledgeable and timely employee support via the Benefits inbox and other channels.
• Identifies inefficiencies in benefits administration, leave management, and related processes; implements actions that streamline, simplify, and improve operational effectiveness.
  
  

Manages vendor relationships to ensure the highest level of service and value.

• Leads vendor selection, performance monitoring, and contract negotiations in partnership with procurement and other stakeholders.
• Holds providers accountable for their contract commitments, escalates issues when appropriate, and ensures vendors deliver timely, high-quality service and support.
• Collaborates with vendors to implement new or enhanced plans, resolve complex issues, and ensure operational excellence.
  
  

Coordinates and communicates benefit and wellness programs, ensuring high levels of employee understanding and engagement.

• Develops and delivers communications related to open enrollment, ongoing plan updates, wellness initiatives, and regulatory notices.
• Serves as an escalation point for complex employee questions and collaborates with the benefits team to ensure accurate, accessible information is provided to all employees.
  
  

Administers and maintains compliance requirements for all benefit plans and programs.

• Ensures timely and accurate completion of all required filings and reporting (including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, and Canadian equivalents).
• Coordinates and manages retirement plan compliance activities, including non-discrimination testing (NDT), annual 401(k) audits, and partnership with external auditors and advisors to facilitate smooth and accurate audits.
• Stays current on legal requirements and industry best practices; recommends and implements necessary changes to maintain compliance.
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on benefit trends, program utilization, and costs; proposes solutions to address gaps or enhance programs.
• Ensures all benefits administration processes adhere to data privacy and security requirements in both the US and Canada.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. health, welfare, and retirement plan design, administration, and compliance (including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, and HIPAA).
• Familiarity with, or ability to quickly learn, Canadian health and welfare benefits regulations; able to effectively collaborate with vendors and experts to ensure compliance and operational success in Canada.
• Proven success managing external vendors, including contract negotiations, development of clear and measurable performance standards, and holding vendors accountable for results.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to critically evaluate processes, identify root causes, and recommend actionable solutions.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills; able to distinguish between operational, tactical, and strategic issues and escalate appropriately.
• Effective influencer and communicator, with the ability to clearly articulate recommendations and build alignment across leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Demonstrated ability to own and drive initiatives that foster employee well-being, engagement, and an inclusive workplace experience.
• Track record of identifying inefficiencies and leading process, service, and technology improvements that deliver measurable business results.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of initiative and accountability, with the ability to work independently while knowing when to engage leadership on complex or high-impact matters.
• Strong organizational, project management, and team leadership skills, with a commitment to accuracy, detail, and confidentiality.
  
  

Expected Skills & Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive human resources experience, including at least 4 years specializing in US benefits strategy, administration, compliance, and vendor management.
• 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience with benefits budgeting and vendor renewal negotiations
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration software (UKG or equivalent).
• Comfortable working with benefits administration and reporting tools.
• Bachelor’s degree; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  
  

Additional Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting multi-state and/or multi-jurisdictional benefits programs; direct Canadian benefits experience is a plus.
• Experience with retirement plan oversight, including compliance, audits, and coordination with external providers.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or comparable benefits designation.
  
  

The annual base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000. The actual pay will be determined based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to the base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Pre-Employment Requirement

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and background check. This requirement is especially critical for safety-sensitive roles.

Discover a Fulfilling Career

At Composites One, our Team Members are the cornerstone of our success. Each role is essential in helping us provide exceptional service to our Customers. We cultivate a culture of empowerment and opportunity, fostering both personal and professional growth.

We believe in driving success and appreciating achievement. Our Team Members are eligible for annual bonuses and profit sharing because when the company thrives, we all benefit. Join us and be part of a Team where your hard work and dedication are valued, and together, we achieve great things.

Respect, Teamwork, & Communication are Woven into our Core Values:

Our guiding principle of Respect, Teamwork, and Communication embodies the spirit of our Core Values. We uphold these principles every day as we strive to make a positive impact for our Customers, our Team, and the world around us.

Benefits

Explore our comprehensive health, retirement, wellness, and professional growth programs in detail here.

Commitment To Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Composites One, all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other protected classification as defined by applicable law and regulation.

ADA Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request accommodation please contact the ADA Coordinator by email at [email protected].