Position Summary:
The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration, compliance, and strategic oversight of WeDriveU's benefits programs, including health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs. This role requires strong experience in union benefits administration, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and federal/state regulations. The Benefits Manager will work closely with HR, finance, and operations teams to support a diverse workforce, including both unionized and non-union employees.
Key Responsibilities:
Benefits Administration:
- Manage the day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement benefits.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and resolve complex issues.
- Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other regulatory requirements.
- Oversee annual open enrollment, including employee communications and vendor coordination.
- Partner with payroll to ensure accurate and timely benefits deductions and reconciliations.
Union Benefits & Compliance:
- Administer benefits in accordance with union contracts and CBAs, ensuring proper implementation of negotiated benefits.
- Collaborate with labor relations and HR teams to support union negotiations related to benefits.
- Serve as a liaison between WeDriveU and union benefit trust funds.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure timely reporting to union representatives and benefits trusts.
Strategy & Vendor Management:
- Evaluate current benefits offerings and recommend enhancements to improve employee satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.
- Manage relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and third-party administrators (TPAs).
- Monitor trends in benefits, wellness, and workforce needs to align programs with business goals.
- Lead benefits education initiatives to ensure employees fully understand their options and benefits utilization.
Data & Reporting:
- Conduct benefits audits and provide analytics on program effectiveness, cost trends, and participation rates.
- Prepare reports for leadership on benefits utilization, compliance, and cost impact.
- Support annual benefits renewal negotiations and cost projections.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, with at least 3 years of experience working with union benefits.
- Strong knowledge of union contracts, multi-employer plans, and trust fund benefits administration.
- Experience with benefits compliance, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA.
- Proficiency in HRIS and benefits platforms; experience with Workday, ADP, or similar systems preferred.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees, union representatives, and leadership.
- SHRM-CP, PHR, CEBS, or CBP certification preferred.
Why Join WeDriveU?
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to shape and enhance benefits programs in a growing organization.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on employee well-being.