Benefits Manager

Job Summary

The HR Benefits Manager is responsible for the design, administration, and ongoing management of the company’s employee benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, flexible spending plan and 401(k) plan) supporting a diverse workforce that includes corporate staff and field employees.  This role ensures that benefit offerings are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with the company’s operational needs and culture within the construction industry. 

The Benefits Manager serves as the primary subject-matter expert for health and welfare plans, retirement programs, leave administration, and benefits compliance, while acting as a strategic partner to HR leadership, finance, legal and external brokers and vendors. 

Responsibilities and Duties

• Responsible for managing and administrating the benefits programs in partnership with our benefits vendors. This includes managing the day-to-day relationships with vendors (i.e., carriers, brokers, etc.), researching, troubleshooting, and resolving escalations for benefits inquiries;
• Evaluate benefits offerings annually to ensure market competitiveness, cost control, and alignment with workforce needs;
• Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and employee communications;
• Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators;
• Support benefit renewals, claims analysis, and cost-containment strategies;
• Coordinate vendor performance reviews and resolve escalated employee issues;
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA reporting, State-specific leave and benefits requirements (e.g., paid family leave, disability);
• Partner with Legal and Finance on plan documentation, audits and filings;
• Act as escalation point for complex employee benefits questions and issues;
• Develop clear, accessible benefits communications for both office-based and field employees;
• Partner with HR Business Partners on employee lifecycle events impacting benefits (hires, terminations, leaves of absence);
• Maintain benefits data accuracy across HRIS and vendor platforms;
• Produce benefits metrics and reporting for HR leadership (participation, utilization, cost trends);
• Support optimization of HRIS and benefits administration tools;
• Partner cross-functionally with Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Operations to establish process efficiencies;
• Provide guidance and training to employees on benefits processes;
• Support broader HR and Total Rewards initiatives as needed.  
• Manage the implementation and roll-out of new and/or current initiatives for the wellness program
• Keep abreast of current legislation and health care industry and its effect on employee benefits and employer compliance requirements
• Maintain Summary Plan Descriptions for all benefit plans
• Conduct benefits orientation for new hires

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field;
• 7+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration, preferably within construction, real estate or a project-based industry
• CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHR-SCP or similar certification preferred;
• Strong working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), and leave programs
• Experience managing open enrollment, vendor relationships, employee communications, and benefits-related compliance
• Experience with HRIS and benefits platforms (e.g., UKG)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex benefits information to a diverse employee population
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and strong follow-through
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret benefits data, resolve discrepancies, and identify trends
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Proactive problem-solver who can independently manage competing priorities and escalate issues appropriately

Computer Systems

• Proficiencies in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), as well as familiarity with HRIS systems
• Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat and PDF
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Salary Information

• To the extent this role is performed in New York City, the annual salary range is $140,000 - $150,000.

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