Benefits Manager

As a strategic business partner, the Benefits Manager will analyze, design, implement and administer all benefit programs for the Company. This position will collaborate with internal staff and third party vendors to ensure servicing of all benefits meets internal expectations and are compliant with government regulations.

(This position will be at a Lockton client site located in Tinley Park, IL)

PRIMARY & ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages vendor relationships. 
• Researches, negotiates and evaluates vendor proposal contracts.
• Partners with broker to determine best vendor and service provider in each aspect of Health and Welfare offerings and administration. 
• Advises, counsels and recommends solutions to management and employees on existing benefits. 
• Seeks creative solutions that meet employee and business needs. 
• Implements and administers employee benefit programs: health & welfare, retirement and workers compensation. 
• Reviews cost and usage rates of existing benefit programs to assess actual and perceived value. 
• Manage the vendor who administers various benefits. 
• Main point of contact with Health and Welfare Benefits broker, third party administrators, and other benefit vendors as needed. 
• Responsible for planning, coordinating and documenting the quarterly 401(k) plan committee meetings. 
• Main point of contact for Merger & Acquisition activity relating to benefits. Including but not limited to: reviewing contracts, conducting benefits and cost comparison, gathering claims data, preparing orientation presentations, and conducting benefits training to staff. 
• Coordinates transfer of data to external vendors, plan providers, auditors, and consultants. 
• Audits benefit plans for enrollment accuracies and billing. 
• Manages online benefit enrollment system including Flex Spending Account, COBRA.
• Administration, Health and Welfare System and employee stock purchase plan. 
• Provides regular reporting as requested for support areas and corporate required reporting. 
• Evaluates and compares existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information to ensure competitiveness. 
• Analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for review by Senior Management. 
• Responsible for the design management comprehensive wellness programs. 
• Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and notifying management of necessary changes. 
• Responsible for complying with the Affordable Care Act. 
• Responsible for HRIS benefits configuration and testing. 
• Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Responsible for supervising HR/Benefit Coordinators and Managers at multiple locations. 
• Be proactive and instrumental in communicating all benefit related topics to HR/Benefit Managers and staff.
• Provide information and on-going feedback to department staff regarding expectation and performance.
• Address and resolve all performance concerns and issues in a timely manner. 
• Work with department staff on individual and professional development. 
• Prepare and conduct annual performance reviews. Complete and submit all forms associated with the review process to the department according to the view process deadline.
• Travel required, meeting with HR/Benefit Managers and staff at IL, IN and MI facilities.