Benefits Manager
Become part of the Parker Poe team that – for more than a century – has represented many of the Southeast’s largest companies and local governments. We are a tight-knit firm that values the person beyond the lawyer or professional. Because of this, in addition to structured integration efforts, you will find that mentorship, professional development, and internal referrals happen organically. If you want to join a collaborative team providing sophisticated legal services – without losing sight of our calling to give back to our communities – this is the place to be.
Job summary:
Implements, administers and maintains employee benefit programs, policies and procedures for the Firm. Develops and manages benefit communications. Oversees and/or handles responses to internal questions and ensures resolution of issues. Responsible for relationships with third-party administrators and vendors. Plans and implements the annual benefit enrollment process. Responsible for monitoring trends and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
• Supervises administration of employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability programs, retirement plans, leave of absence programs, worker’s compensation administration, and ancillary benefit plans
• Serves as subject matter expert for all Firm benefit plans. Oversees handling of internal benefit inquiries and resolution of issues to facilitate benefits usage by staff and attorneys. Responsible for relationships with benefits broker, third-party administrators, and vendors
• Oversees compliance with benefit-related laws and regulations. Ensures all plan documents and related materials are current and in compliance. Assists with the interpretation of plan documents and proposed changes, in consultation with leadership and in-house ERISA Counsel
• Supports annual plan evaluations and requests for quotes with insurance broker, including providing census data. Assist with providing cost information and makes recommendations for plan design and cost-sharing arrangements
• Responsible for annual open enrollment process and materials including in-person and virtual sessions. Oversees benefit plan communications and updates including web site, Intranet, enrollment materials, flyers, and more
• Oversees new hire benefit enrollment and orientation sessions, as well as departing employee benefit program transitions
• Creates and monitors internal reporting to analyze usage and identify trends. Handles required external reporting to state and federal agencies
• Monitors external market trends to recommend plan enhancements or changes. Participates in benchmark surveys and analyzes results
• Supervises maintenance of records including enrollment, application, and claims inquiries for all benefit plans
• Participates in appropriate internal committees and provides benefits-related support and advice
• Stays current with benefits laws, regulations and trends and advises leadership on the potential impact on the Firm and benefit plans
• Supervises benefits paralegal and directs other HR support staff as needed
• Participates and provides support for other HR-related projects and team activities
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Strong knowledge of group insurance and risk management principles and strategies, retirement plans, COBRA, and leave of absence programs
• Familiar with a variety of benefit plan design options including insured plans, self-funded plans, 401(k) plans, retirement, and profit sharing
• Solid knowledge of benefit-related laws, regulations, and best practices
• Expertise in benefits administration including health and welfare, leaves of absence, worker’s compensation, and retirement plans
• Self-starter with ability to take initiative and work independently
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel; proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; familiarity with HRIS systems, databases, and Adobe
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to juggle multiple changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• High ethical standards and ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work primarily in-office and travel to other office locations when required
Educational and previous experience recommendations:
• Minimum of four years of experience in benefits administration and a bachelor’s degree required, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in a professional services environment preferred
• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience
• CEBS certification preferred; SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred
