Manager of Benefits

Property Location:

Getting a job is just the beginning. Finding a place where you belong is what truly matters. Who you are and what you do makes a difference at Drury Hotels. There's a place for you here today and tomorrow.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

So. Much. More.

Just as our guests deserve more, so do you deserve more. Be valued for what you do and who you are ... and well compensated for all you accomplish.

• Work-life-balance – Flexible scheduling, paid time off, hotel discounts and free room nights

• Career growth - Mentorship, cross-training, development plans, management training, and more-over 200 internal promotions this year

• Health and well-being - Medical, dental, vision, prescription, life, disability and Team Member Assistance Program

• Retirement - Company-matched 401(k)

• Award-winning - Ranked among Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces 2025

• Incentives - Quarterly bonuses (we succeed together!) based on hotel results

Summary:

The Manager of Benefits is responsible for the strategy, design, and day-to-day execution of the company’s health and wellness programs, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, wellbeing, and related benefit offerings. This role plays a critical part in ensuring benefits are competitive, compliant, cost effective, and aligned with the organization’s overall talent and business strategy. 

The Manager of Benefits is highly detail oriented, analytically minded, and naturally curious, combining strong operational discipline with a deep understanding of the complexity of benefits administration in a multistate environment. This role uses data and insight to challenge the status quo, improve outcomes for both team members and the organization, and continuously evolve benefit strategies, while maintaining high standards of accuracy, compliance, and execution. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

Benefits Strategy and Program Design 

• Develop and manage the strategy, design, and continuous improvement of health and wellness programs, including medical and pharmacy benefits. 

• Evaluate emerging trends, regulatory developments, and innovative benefit solutions to enhance team member experience and manage cost sustainability. 

Operational Management and Execution 

• Oversee the day-to-day administration of benefit plans, ensuring accurate enrollment, eligibility management, and issue resolution. 

• Oversee claims processing for STD and FMLA.

• Lead annual renewal and planning cycles, including data analysis, strategy development, vendor negotiations, and implementation. 

• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, PBMs, wellness partners, and third party administrators, ensuring performance, accountability, and service quality. 

Compliance and Risk Oversight 

• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, State paid sick time, and Section 125, within a complex multistate environment. 

Analytics and Continuous Improvement 

• Analyze benefits utilization, claims data, cost drivers, and vendor performance to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities. 

• Develop and monitor metrics related to cost, participation, engagement, and outcomes. 

• Use data driven insights to challenge existing approaches and recommend enhancements to plan design, operations, and vendor strategy. 

Team Member Experience and Communication 

• Support the development of clear, accurate benefits communications and education materials, including open enrollment resources. 

• Lead open enrollment planning and execution, ensuring team members understand their benefits and can make informed decisions. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus. 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and strategy, preferably in a multistate environment. 

• Strong working knowledge of health and wellness benefits, including medical and pharmacy plan design, compliance, and vendor management 

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action. 

• Familiarity with benefits analytics, cost modeling, and vendor performance evaluation a plus. 

Work Environment:

The Manager of Benefits position is based in the St. Louis, MO corporate office. 

Supervisory Duties:

This position supervises the Benefits Administration team.