The Triage Benefits Manager oversees the overall benefits strategy and management. Benefits Manager leads the development and implementation of comprehensive benefits programs that support employee well-being, retention, and Triage priorities. This role will design, oversee, and optimize benefits offerings, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and managing vendor relationships to achieve cost efficiency. The Benefits Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead a team of benefits professionals, and leverage data-driven insights to enhance our benefit offering. This position will be responsible for delivering effective benefits strategies in a dynamic and compliance-driven environment.
Core Functions & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement benefits strategies that align with company goals, employee well-being, and retention.
- Oversee design, administration, and evaluation of core employee benefits programs (e.g., health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement).
- Ensure benefits programs are cost-effective, within budget, and optimize spending without compromising quality.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA) and proper reporting/documentation.
- Conduct regular audits and generate compliance reports (e.g., Form 5500, ACA reporting).
- Stay updated on regulatory changes and adjust benefits programs accordingly.
- Manage relationships with benefits providers, negotiate contracts, and collaborate on custom offerings.
- Develop communication strategies to ensure employees understand benefits options and enrollment processes.
- Oversee annual open enrollment process, including preparation, communication, and educational sessions.
- Use data to assess benefits utilization, employee satisfaction, and guide program changes
- Conduct employee surveys to identify areas for improvement in benefits offerings.
- Provide reports to leadership on benefits costs, trends, and utilization.
- Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and Sales to align benefits strategies with company goals.
- Manage and mentor a team of benefits professionals, fostering learning and development.
Required Skills
- 5+ years of experience in benefits management or a related HR leadership role, with a mix of strategic and operational responsibilities.
- Strong ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make data-driven decisions to enhance benefits offerings.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA, etc.).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with employees, leadership, and external vendors.
- Experience in negotiating contracts with vendors to ensure the best terms for the organization.
- Strong organizational and project management skills to manage open enrollments, benefits renewals, and other key initiatives.
- A focus on understanding employee needs and advocating for their well-being.
- Precision in handling benefits administration, including data entry, compliance documentation, and processing claims.
- Expert knowledge in HCMs, preferably UKG suite of solutions including, UKG Ready Benefits and UKG Pro Benefits Administration, as well as general office software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word).
- Capability to identify issues and develop effective solutions; experience troubleshooting benefits-related problems, addressing discrepancies, and finding ways to improve benefits processes.
- Deep understanding of payroll deductions and payroll process.
Education and Experience
- A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred.
- Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) preferred.
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR or SPHR) preferred.
Leadership and Organization
- Requires ongoing coordination, communication and/or team problem solving between departments or functional areas for work production and service quality.
Work Schedule
In-office: Omaha, Nebraska or Cincinnati, Ohio
Why Triage?
Our commitment to creating a unique work culture sets us apart from the rest—no corporate robots here. Triage values transparency and autonomy, and we believe in recognizing your efforts and dedication. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to be recognized among Inc. Magazine's 5000 fast-growing companies in America.
Triage Staffing is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Note: This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the Intern role but is not an exhaustive list. Additional tasks may be assigned by your supervisor or manager. All duties are subject to change and may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Your performance will be evaluated based on your execution of the tasks outlined in this job description.