The Benefits Manager leads the strategic design, implementation, and administration of employee health, welfare, retirement, paid-time off, and leave programs. This role ensures offerings are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with the organization's Total Rewards philosophy. This position manages a team and partners cross-functionally to drive employee engagement, education, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

Program Strategy & Design: Develop and recommend benefit programs—including health, welfare, retirement, leave, wellness, and financial wellbeing—that support employee needs and organizational goals; conduct market benchmarking and trend analysis to ensure competitivenessAdministration & Compliance: Oversee daily operations and documentation of benefit programs, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA); maintain audit readiness and partner with Legal and Compliance on regulatory updatesVendor & Budget Management: Manage broker, benefits administrator and vendor relationships, including selection, negotiation, performance monitoring, and issue resolution; collaborate with Finance to develop and manage budgets, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and forecast expendituresEmployee Experience & Communication: Lead benefit communications and education efforts through workshops, webinars, and guides; serve as escalation point for complex employee inquiries and claims issues.Leverage data analytics to assess program utilization, identify gaps, and inform strategic decisions. Design, recommend, and produce reports on benefit metrics and ROI; partner with HRIS to automate processes and enhance data integrityOversee retirement plan administration (e.g., 401(k), pension), ensuring compliance and employee education; promote financial wellness tools and resourcesConduct regular program evaluations using employee feedback and utilization data; recommend enhancements to align with workforce needs and organizational strategyComply with Company and department policies and standards; performs other duties as assigned

People Management

Accountable for team staffing and managing direct reports to include development, performance management, goal setting, and other managerial dutiesEnsures direct reports are aware of and follow ethical business practices and Company’s Code of Conduct to maintain a supportive and productive working environment.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management or related field or equivalent education and/or experience6 years of experience in Human Resources, Benefits, or related.2 years people management experience with a strong focus on team collaborationExperience with managing benefit programs and setup with an HRIS platform (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle, etc.)

Preferred Requirements

Experience with Workday benefits and compensation modulesExperience with wellness and financial wellbeing program design

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated subject matter expertise in benefits strategy, program design & administration, compliance, and vendor managementStrong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle multiple priorities in a time sensitive and dynamic environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organizationDemonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing benefits team by fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented work environmentProficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle)

Physical and Cognitive Demands

Communicate/Hearing FrequentlyCommunicate/Talking FrequentlyLearn New Tasks or Concepts FrequentlyMake Timely Decisions in the Context of a Workflow FrequentlyComplete Tasks Independently ConstantlyMaintain Focus ConstantlyRemember Processes & Procedures ConstantlyStationary Position (Seated) Constantly

Travel Requirements

5% travel to vendor meetings locally as needed

This person must be located within a commutable distance to Mendota Heights, MN. This will be 2 days in the office hybrid model.

The potential compensation range for this role is below. The final offer amount would be based on various factors such as candidate location (geographical labor market), experience, and skills. $106,400.00 - $133,000.00