Sr Manager, Benefits

Manages and develops the Benefits and Worthington Steel People Center team. Monitors the distribution of work assignments, phone coverage, and weekly priorities. Partners with HR leadership on People Center activities to support employees and the broader HR team. Analyzes People Center call volumes and tickets to identify trending topics, ensure adequate coverage during busy periods, and timely issue resolution/escalation. Responsible for the overall management, design, and effective communication of benefits programs for all aspects of physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. This includes but not limited to, health & welfare, wellness, leave/disability, relocation, life insurance, and retirement plans. Provides thought leadership and benefits expertise in the development and execution of the overall total rewards strategy. Monitors Benefits and People Center department and healthcare plan expenses. Recommends new and/or improved program and process changes. Directs the implementation of new benefit programs and cost savings initiatives. Manages overall relationship with third-party benefits vendors including outside consultants and monitors adherence to contractual terms and conditions. Responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance for all benefit programs. Partners closely with internal key stakeholders to ensure program effectiveness and a positive employee experience. Facilitates the Retirement Plan Committee meetings and activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manages Benefits and People Center team members, department activities, and workload distribution. Responsible for team development, effective team communication, and coaching. Monitors team call/ticket volumes, department metrics, and ensures adequate People Center coverage.
• Oversees design and administration of all benefit programs. Partners with outside consultants to monitor trends and develop/execute benefits roadmap. Develops presentations for a variety of audiences. May present business cases to senior leaders for program modifications/enhancements that ensure programs are market competitive, cost effective, and compliant.
• Builds and maintains internal relationships with key stakeholders. Partners closely with stakeholders to gather feedback, ensure resolution of escalated issues, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provides strategic direction for the communication of benefits programs across the company in partnership with Corporate Communications and the broader Total Rewards team. Monitors ongoing effectiveness.
• Provides strategic direction for the Annual Open Enrollment process including the evaluation and selection of benefit vendors. Supports Benefits Lead with implementation of new vendors, and plan changes, and change management activities.
• Ensures benefits program compliance with all regulatory requirements and partners with internal and external legal partners and outside consultants to stay abreast of changing regulations and implement required changes.
• Partners with outside consultants, total rewards, and finance to develop healthcare plan budgetary projections and charge-out rates, and to track vendor fees, and all benefit plan and department expenses. Maintains vendor scorecard and monitors performance. Identify and execute cost savings initiatives.
• Provides strategic guidance, analysis, and modeling for M&A activities related to benefit programs, solutions, and integration roadmap, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Critical skills, knowledge & abilities:

• Experienced people leader with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Ability to organize and communicate detailed and complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Knowledge of overall Benefits program design and regulatory requirements (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, etc.)
• Experience managing third-party vendors
• Ability to interpret financial data related to benefits programs
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Intermediate Excel and PowerPoint skills

Education/Training Required:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, finance, or relevant field of study, or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years management experience leading HR, Benefits, HR Shared Services, or Total Rewards team
• 4+ year general benefits experience
• Retirement benefits experience a plus
• M&A experience preferred
• CEBS or CBP certification preferred