Benefits Lead

The Benefits Lead is responsible for the oversight and day-to-day administration of the organization’s employee benefits programs, including health and welfare programs, retirement, leave management (FMLA and related programs), and wellness initiatives. This role ensures regulatory compliance, delivers exceptional employee experience, and partners closely with Payroll, HR, and Finance to ensure accurate enrollment, deductions, reporting, and vendor management. The Benefits Lead serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance to the benefits team, employees and leadership while driving continuous improvement, cost effectiveness, and compliance across all benefits offerings

Benefits Administration:

• Manage and oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and wellness initiatives.
• Operate as primary point of contact for benefits vendors and ensure accurate implementation of benefit changes.
• Manage annual open enrollment, including vendor coordination, communications, system configuration, and employee education.
• Develop and implement Benefit Offerings education and communications for employees.
• Develop and implement wellness initiatives to engage employees in healthier lifestyles
• Create and provide ongoing benefits training to employees to ensure employees are informed of benefits provided and how they work.
• Stay updated on legislative changes that impact employee benefits and recommend necessary adjustments.
• Oversee and manage the workers compensation program. This includes holding WCC meetings, documenting action items, and implementing strategies established to improve program outcomes.
• Manage workers compensation audits and renewal. To include being primary contact, requesting necessary reports from payroll to complete necessary information requested from Workers Comp provider.
• Ensure compliance with state Workers Compensation regulations, OSHA reporting requirements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee injury reporting processes, ensuring incidents are documented promptly and claims are filed within the timelines.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex or high-risk claims and support continuity of operations by acting as backup for the day-to-day Workers’ Compensation administration as needed.
• Provide oversight and operational leadership for all leave of absence programs, including FMLA, Non-FMLA, and military leave.
• Serve as the primary backup for the day-to-day leave administration and return to work coordination during staff absences or peak periods.
• Review complex or escalated leave cases and provide guidance to HR and the Benefits/Leave Coordinator as needed.
• Ensure consistent application of leave policies and compliance with FMLA, USERRA, ADA, and applicable state laws.
• Ensure operational continuity of leave processes through cross-training, documentation, and contingency planning.

Employee Experience and Communication

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and benefits team regarding benefits options and benefits information.
• Develop clear, engaging benefits communications, and educational materials.
• Lead and oversee benefits orientations and information sessions.
• Support employees through life events, claims issues, and leave coordination as needed.
• Ensure exceptional customer service is provided by the benefits team, and communications are timely in response to inquiries

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA.
• Prepare and submit required reports, such as 401(k) audits, Form 5500 filings, 1095 ACA forms, and Workers Comp audits.
• Coordinate with external auditors and provide necessary documentation.
• Ensure OSHA 300A reporting is accurate and timely.
• Partner with legal, finance, and external advisors as needed.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Lead, mentor, and develop benefits team members to ensure high performance.
• Provide training and support to team members on HRIS, compliance, and best practice.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the team.
• Assess, make recommendations, and implement benefits technologies for efficiency.
• Collaborate with HR and finance on budgeting, and cost analysis as needed.
• Review and update policies on a quarterly basis and/or as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration (with an emphasis in accounting or finance), or Human Resources.
• Preferred Certification: CEBS Certified Employee Benefits Specialist
• Minimum of five years of experience in benefits administration.
• Prefer at least one year experience leading individuals.
• Must be 21 years of age. 
• Must pass a physical examination, including drug screen and TB Skin Test. 
• Must pass an MVR, KBI and Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Clearance check 
• FBI Fingerprint Check 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 
• Lifting requirements of 50 lbs.