Oversees day-to-day management of the Company’s U.S. employee benefit plans to ensure all plans meet strategic objectives. Maintains strong relationships with HR Business Partners and multiple third-party administrative vendors and consultants. Develops and analyzes plan metrics while monitoring market trends and legislative/regulatory developments to develop benefit recommendations that are aligned with company strategy.

1. Manages U.S. employee benefit programs to ensure the attraction, retention and motivation of employees, including but not limited to all qualified and non-qualified defined contribution, health & welfare plans (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSAs, HRAs, HSAs, EAP and voluntary programs) and Workers’ Compensation. and on-site/near-site health/fitness clinics.

2. Assists with development of employee benefits strategy to ensure programs are market-competitive, cost-competitive and aligned with company strategy; oversees implementation of approved plan design changes

3. Monitors internal metrics, industry and workforce trends, as well as regulatory and legislative changes, working with HR leadership and strategic business units to develop benefits strategy and implement plan changes

4. Develops and executes change management and communication strategies to ensure all parties are fully informed of benefit plan changes and improves employee understanding, promotes consumerism and fosters appreciation of the value of all Company-sponsored benefit programs and services to employees through employment life cycle, including new hires, open enrollment, retirement and respond to day to day issues

5. Manages multiple third-party vendor relationships to ensure efficient and effective administration of all benefit plans. Continually evaluates internal and external administrative processes. Selects and regularly evaluates all third-party vendors and service providers to ensure programs are managed by high quality, technically savvy, financially sound organizations

6. Participates in defining the strategic department goals and determining the optimal progression to obtain those goals

7. Ensures compliance with statutory rules associated with benefit plans including but not limited to ERISA, PPACA, 409(A), SEC, FLSA, FMLA and HIPAA as well as state, local and global regulations as appropriate

8. Assures that all plan related documents are accurate and up to date (SPD, employee handbook, policy manual etc).

9. Performs other special projects and broader HR initiatives as assigned

10. Performs full range of managerial responsibilities which may include but not be limited to: interviewing, hiring, coaching and developing employees; planning, assigning and directing work; EEO/AA; performance management; department budget

11. Performs other duties as assigned

• Thorough knowledge of all types of employee benefit plans, including 401k, regulations, health and welfare plans (medical, wellness, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation)

• Proven skill set to include analytical, critical thinking, statistical and problem solving abilities in order to ensure compliance, consistent interpretation and application of plans ; thorough knowledge of other related benefit plan designs and administration

• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with multiple third-party vendors, HR partners and employees at all levels; vendors include administration partners, brokers, consultants, auditors, attorneys and on-site/near-site health/fitness clinic managers

• Strong organization and time management skills necessary to manage internal teams, both direct reports and cross-functional teams, through multiple assignments and to meet agreed deadlines

• Solid computer skills; understanding of HR systems and interfaces with third-party vendors

• Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; excellent planning & organizational skills.

• Minimum seven years experience managing all facets of U.S. employee benefit plans, including health and welfare including plan administration, reporting and compliance. Some exposure to International benefits and Mergers & Acquisitions integration will be preferred

• Minimum five years experience managing internal professional and administrative staff

• Minimum five years managing outsourced administrative vendors, to include RFP development, vendor selection and project management of implementation/transition

• Previous experience working with benefit plan financial modeling, LEAN/Continuous Improvement, in a fast-paced mid-size manufacturing company is preferred