US Benefits Program Manager

US Benefits Program Manager
REMOTE
Duration: 8 months plus extensions

Duties:

We are looking for a Benefits Program Manager (Contract) to join our Total Rewards team. The role will manage U.S. employee benefit programs - including fully insured and self-insured plans, ensure program compliance, partner with vendors and benefits brokers, and respond to escalated employee benefit inquiries. The Benefit Program Manager will work cross- functionally with teams such as Payroll, HR Systems, HR Operations, Legal, and other teams and stakeholders as needed.
The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, brings strong judgment and critical thinking and has a passion for delivering meaningful benefit experiences. We are looking for someone that works well in teams and cross functionally, and can both optimize existing processes and help build scalable new ones
Key Responsibilities
Benefits Program Management
Manage U.S. medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefit programs
Ensure clear and effective employee-facing benefits communications
Manages vendors and benefits brokers to ensure exceptional work and best in class service
Conducts competitive analysis of benefits programs, benefit renewals, RFPs, and new benefit implementations
Using data insight recommends improvements in benefit design, administration and efficiency
Helps manage and deliver large scale projects like US Open Enrollment, including, but not limited to managing all Open Enrollment communications, resources and intranet updates; project manager for Open Enrollment communications in close collaboration with other US Benefit Team members and internal comms
Collaborates with stakeholders across Benefits, Payroll, Internal Comms, and external vendors to align timelines and requirements for Open Enrollment deliverables
Ensure seamless integration and data flow between benefits elections and carrier records through various system audits
Benefits Administration
Resolves escalated employee benefits inquiries via email or Jira ticketing system
Oversees the development of workflows, business processes, and performs testing of Workday and other data systems to support vendor changes, benefit program changes, and employee enrollment windows
Reviews,audits and reconciles benefit invoices for accuracy and to ensure timely payment. Corresponds with vendors and internal Accounts Payable and Finance teams to resolve discrepancies; monitors spend and amends purchase orders as needed.
Responsible for end year purchase order reconciliation, in addition to the creation and communication of purchase orders for the next financial plan year.
Partners with Legal, Payroll, Talent, Finance and other stakeholders on benefits-related processes and issue resolution
Stays updated on industry regulations and legal requirements, ensuring all benefit programs comply with relevant laws, including the completion of all mandatory filing requirements (e.g., 5500 filing, SFHCSO reporting, plan document updates, Medicare Part D reporting and other compliance reports)
Engages with stakeholders cross-functionally, both internally and externally, to ensure sufficient collaboration to review security and privacy assessments. Follows security breach escalation procedures as needed to resolve any issues that may arise.
Data Analysis & Insights
Collects and analyzes data including surveys and benchmarking; participates in required surveys related to US programs
Builds and evaluates Workday reports and other third party data and reporting
Supports special projects and performs other duties as assigned

Skills:
8+ years of experience managing U.S. employee benefit programs, new benefit implementations, and ongoing vendors, carrier and broker relationships.
Experience with both fully and self-insured benefit plans
Strong communication and relationship building skills
Hands-on experience and strong working knowledge of Workday and Jira
Working knowledge of HRIS workflow, report development, and support
Proficient with Excel and knowledge of Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, etc.)
Knowledgeable in benefits regulatory compliance
Not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved in all aspects of the role; no task too big or small
Ability to maintain the highest level of privacy, confidentiality and apply excellent judgement
Self-directed but also great at collaborating with employees at all levels and across many different teams
Exceptional interpersonal communication skills; ability to be patient and communicate effectively in a fast-paced, nimble environments
Approachable with a problem-solving attitude
*** is committed to working with the best and brightest people from the broadest talent pool possible. We believe a diversity of ideas fosters innovation and engagement, and allows us to attract the best people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. Qualified individuals from all walks of life are encouraged to apply.