Benefits Manager

Summary

The Benefits Manager will be responsible for the management of the employee benefits, HR compliance, and HR Administration functions.
The manager will provide direction, planning, project coordination and management of benefits, compliance and administration policies, procedures and programs that align with ATS goals and competitive strategies.
The manager will ensure that the organization complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies, and company standards.
The role involves assessing, monitoring, and improving compliance and competitive practices within the organization.

All activities must be in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity laws, HIPAA, ERISA and other regulations, as appropriate.
The Benefits Manager will demonstrate our core values, maintain confidentiality, collaborate, and work effectively and positively with the HR team and our internal clients.
This position works in our St.
Cloud, Minnesota office, not remote.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in related field (human resources, business) plus five (5) to seven (7) years of human resources experience including knowledge of benefits and compliance.
2. Highly knowledgeable with all aspects of employee benefit programs including but not limited to plan design, administration, communication, and filing and compliance requirements.
   
3. Knowledge of adopted and pending federal and state regulations and compliance frameworks including extensive knowledge of leave and accommodation laws including FMLA, ADA, and other applicable laws.
   
4. Strong leadership experience with the demonstrated ability to motivate and guide a team.
5. Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
6. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, and policies as it relates to benefits and compliance.
7. Excellent consulting, influencing, client management and business literacy skills.
8. Professional certification at PHR level or equivalent training preferred.
9. Transportation or similar industry experience preferred.
10. Excellent communication (written, listening and verbal), interpersonal and presentation skills.
11. Experience supporting multiple business units or divisions in multiple locations.
12. Exceptional organizational and time management skills with proven ability to work independently and multi-task in a fast-pace and high-energy environment.
    Flexible and highly adaptable to change.
13. Experience handling sensitive material and maintaining confidentiality.
14. Ability to develop strong trusting relationships to gain support and achieve results.
15. Demonstrated ability to establish and/or improve standard operating procedures within department and cross-functionally and to drive continuous improvement efforts.
16. A team player with a positive attitude and collaborative approach.
17. Ability to travel up to 10% of time, including overnights, as required to perform responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Responsible for managing Benefits strategies, policies, programs and processes.
2. Plans and directs implementation and administration of employee benefits programs such as health, dental, vision, disability insurance, employee assistance, retirement and other plans.
3. Provides guidance to staff for communicating information to current and former employees about benefits programs, procedures, changes, and government-mandated disclosures.
4. Analyzes and evaluates services, coverage, and options available through insurance and investment companies to ensure benefit programs are competitive and align with organizational goals and employee needs.
5. Negotiates and contracts with benefit plan providers, vendors, auditors, and consultants for services, premiums, and plan offerings and administration.
6. Recommends benefit plan changes to leadership.
7. Audits benefit plans for compliance with government regulations.
8. Maintains knowledge of and analyzes government regulations, benefits program trends, and prevailing practices among similar organizations.
9. Analyzes benefits experience for cost-control and risk-assessment factors.
10. Oversees and monitors budget allocation for employee benefits.
11. Ensures benefit programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g.
    ACA, ERISA, HIPAA).
    Reviews and analyzes changes to benefit related laws and regulations and recommends necessary or suggested changes to leadership to ensure compliance.
    
12. Supervises preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies (e.g.
    IRS, DOL, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies).
    
13. Coordinates company benefits with government-sponsored programs.
14. Handles escalated benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
    
15. Responsible for managing Compliance strategies, policies, programs and processes.
16. Researches and recommends development of or revisions to compliance programs, policies, and procedures to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
    
17. Manages regulatory compliance (e.g.
    EEO, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, wage and hour, labor laws, and other related federal/state/local regulations/requirements) ensuring compliance through established audit processes and ongoing monitoring.
18. Responsible for managing HR Administration strategies, policies, programs and processes.
19. Manages all Administrative responsibilities in HR ensuring efficient and accurate processes and a high level of service.
    
20. Leads, supports and/or participates in special projects and HR related initiatives.
    Works collaboratively to improve processes, support customers, build tools and/or training that may support our employees, leaders and/or create greater efficiency and effectiveness for HR.
21. Supports ATS' culture by aligning actions, behaviors, performance, and decisions in accordance with the Company's values as set forth in our All-Employee Competencies.
22. Carries out managerial and leadership responsibilities in accordance with ATS' policies and applicable laws.
23. Performs key All-Manager Responsibilities; Deliver High Business results, Build the Right Team, Manage for Optimal Performance and Develop Talent for Growth
24. Completes work responsibilities outside of normal business hours as needed and infrequent travel may be required.
25. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Requirements (Office related positions)

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

This position performs work primarily in an office setting.

1. Constantly in a stationary position and occasionally will move around.