Manager, US Benefits

About the Role

You are a strategic and operational leader responsible for shaping, optimizing, and delivering U.S. Health & Welfare (H&W) programs aligned with business objectives, workforce needs, and market competitiveness. Leads and develops team capability while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Your Team

You will have 1 direct report.

What You Will Do

Benefits Strategy, Planning & Execution

• Partner with the Director, Global Benefits to support the strategy and design of U.S. Health and Welfare programs aligned with workforce needs and Total Rewards objectives.
• Manage the annual benefits planning, renewal, and Open Enrollment lifecycle, including financial modeling, benchmarking, and preparation of data‑driven recommendations for senior leadership.
• Translate benefit strategy into operational execution through cross‑functional and vendor partnerships, delivering a consistent, high‑quality employee experience.
• Oversee ongoing administration and implementation of Health & Welfare programs, including COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and voluntary plans.
• Lead multiple initiatives concurrently, applying strong project management discipline to ensure timely and effective delivery.

Data, Financial Management & Reporting

• Conduct financial modeling, cost, utilization, and ROI analysis to evaluate program performance and inform renewal and plan design decisions.
• Manage the employee benefits budget and deliver clear, actionable reporting on cost trends, participation, risks, and optimization opportunities.
• Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate enrollments, vendor billings, payments, and tax compliance.

Vendor Management & Administration

• Manage vendor relationships for benefits administration and point solutions, including governance, performance monitoring, and KPI tracking.
• Oversee Level 2 administrative appeals and escalated employee benefit issues in partnership with vendors and Legal.
• Build and continuously improve benefits processes, controls, and communications to support scalability, accuracy, and employee engagement.
• Participate in benefit‑related M&A activities, including due diligence, integration, and program harmonization.

Compliance & Legal Oversight

• Ensure Health & Welfare programs operate in compliance with plan documents, policies, filings, testing, and required notices.
• Serve as HIPAA Administrator for Health & Welfare plans and partner with Legal to address regulatory requirements and changes.
• Monitor regulatory developments and recommend updates to mitigate risk and maintain compliance.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field.  
• 6-8+ years of progressive experience in benefits strategy, design and administration including vendor strategy & management and financial management.
• Proven experience leading, measuring and managing third-party vendor relationships
• Strong working knowledge of benefits-related laws and regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA and applicable state and local requirements
• Demonstrated experience with self-funded plans
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts and partner with all levels of management and associates, including HR colleagues, business leaders and senior executives
• Strong initiative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Experience managing benefits platforms and tools
• Experience developing policies, procedures and processes documentation
• Prior experience leading and developing a small team

Bonus Points if You Have

• CBP or CEBS certification
• Experience with Workday and ServiceNow 
• Experience with Businessolver benefits administration platform
• Experience in writing policies and business processes

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 30%, domestic only
• Be willing to work in an office in one of HARMAN's US offices, hybrid model

• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.