Benefits Manager

Position Summary:

The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing, managing and administering all employee benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement plan, etc.), as well as leave administration and workers compensation. This includes developing and implementing a comprehensive benefits package that meets the needs of both the employer and the employees.  The Benefits Manager will monitor the various plans and policies to ensure compliance with legal requirements and company objectives, will produce and audit reports for enrollment eligibility and verification, and will liaise with our benefits broker and providers for management of benefit programs.  They will stay informed of industry changes and new developments to help the business keep up with best practice standards.  A strong employee advocate with propensity to help others, the ability to multitask, and strong organizational skills are critical to success in this role.

This role requires significant collaboration with other members of the HR team to ensure fulfillment of employee life-cycle activities.  Although each team member is an individual contributor in their area of specialty, daily communications and teamwork are necessary to support HR initiatives and processes, including employee engagement and events.

We offer competitive pay and a benefit package that includes: medical, dental, and vision coverage, employer paid life & disability, paid time off, 401k retirement plan with employer match, and tuition reimbursement assistance.  Additionally, we offer exclusive employee discounts on both our glass and pottery products and at our restaurant.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Develop and administer the employee benefits package, including health, life, disability and other coverages.
• Administer the 401(k) plan to include eligibility, enrollment, audits, reports, investment committee, notices and enrollment materials.  Ensure ERISA compliance and assist with 5500 preparation.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with Federal and state laws and regulations (COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, etc.).
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with benefits brokers, vendors and providers.
• Reconcile carrier bills and develop/distribute reports for all benefits programs.
• Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including vendor billing reconciliation, and employee enrollment; process life status changes using HRIS
• Partner with benefits broker to design and execute employee communications relating to benefits and wellness programs.
• Monitor employee eligibility for benefits in accordance with company guidelines; conduct new hire benefits orientation.
• Plan and execute the annual Open Enrollment process; ensure accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information.
• Prepare and facilitate meetings to educate employees on the Company’s benefits and ensure that resources are available and current. 
• Respond to inquiries, troubleshoot benefit issues, and resolve conflicts; escalate when necessary.
• Collaborate with vendors for escalated support needs, including: plan design, claims administration, and billing.
• Report benefits-related data and trends, to include benefits enrollment and utilization.
• Assist in developing and implementing Company plans and strategies for short- and long-term retention of employees by maintaining comprehensive, relevant and meaningful benefit offerings. 

Leaves of Absence, Workers’ Compensation and Safety:

• Submit and manage worker’s compensation claims, acting as a liaison between insurance carriers, providers, and employees.
• Administer and maintain all leaves of absence (FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, Short-term and Long-term disability) to include communications and schedules/records in multiple states.
• Ensure all leave designations are in compliance with federal, state and local laws as well as company policies.
• Responsible for OSHA record-keeping.
• Manage work injuries/illnesses and coordinate return to work authorizations.

• Participate in and provide claims updates to the Safety Committee. Inform the Safety Committee of trends as evidenced by the reported injuries/illnesses.  Make recommendations to mitigate injuries/illnesses.

• Schedule POPES with Physical Therapy consultants; partner with on-site PT representatives to address employee needs and capabilities.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the company on Vermont’s Blueprint for Health Executive Committee.
• Lead the company’s volunteer Wellness Ambassadors to communicate and drive wellness initiatives at multiple locations
• Engage with employees and the community at large to enhance the employee experience. 

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field.
• Minimum five years of relevant benefits management experience.
• Minimum three years of workers’ compensation and leave administration experience.
• Highly knowledgeable with all aspects of managing employee benefits programs.
• Proficient with use of Google applications (Gmail, sheets, slides, docs), Microsoft Office and benefits HRIS.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal direction, as well as collaborate as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving and time management skills, and demonstrated ability to effectively organize and manage multiple streams of work.
• Flexible attitude and enthusiasm for positive change.
• Professional and comfortable working with employees at all levels.

Qualifications Desired:

• Professional HR or Benefits certification credentials are a plus.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with administering self-funded benefits plans.
• Experience using Paycom a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.  The employee will have prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee will be frequently required to stand, walk through production facilities and offices, ascend and descend stairs, and occasionally kneel or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Simon Pearce is committed to the policy of equal employment opportunity and to provide all employees with the work environment necessary to enable them to advance on merit as far as their talents and skills will take them, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected class of veteran, or any other legally protected status.