Benefits Manager

SMX is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Benefits Manager to join the SMX Human Resources team and support a growing workforce of full-time and part-time employees. This supervisory position reports directly to the Vice President, Human Resources. 

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the management and administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including, but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and 401(k) plan.  The Benefits Manager supports a variety of key initiatives at all levels within the company and will help to optimize engagement, understanding, and utilization of benefit programs. Additionally, the Benefits Manager ensures plans are administered in accordance with federal and state regulations and plan provisions are followed.

Responsibilities: 

• Manages the annual benefits renewal process and oversees the annual open enrollment process.
• Provides coaching and responds to escalated benefits inquiries from employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
• Surveys industry trends, reviews experience data and utilization reports. Examines possible benefit changes and proposes recommendations supported with data analysis.
• Builds and maintains positive partnerships with external vendors.
• Acts as primary contact with benefits broker.
• Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information.
• Supports in the delivery of new-hire orientations.
• Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes.
• Oversees the processing and administration of leave-of-absence requests to include medical, personal, disability and FMLA.
• Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences or disabilities.
• Ensures prompt and accurate compliance for all benefits programs.
• Serves as the liaison with vendors and brokers to resolve employee claims.
• Provides coaching and responds to escalated 401(k) inquiries from employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts.
• Administers 401(k) program and manages annual 401(k) audit.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in HR and/or benefits administration in government contracting
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or related Human Resources certification a plus.
• Knowledge of statutory Federal, State, and Local leave.
• Knowledge of ADA/ADAAA.
• Knowledge of flexible benefits programs.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits/retirement programs and applicable laws
• Expert working knowledge of ADP Workforce Now
• Familiarity with self-funded plans

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Effectively able to communicate with employees at all levels.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work within a team in a professional and collaborative manner and maintain constructive working relationships.
• Ability to work independently and be able to troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Comfort with the uncertain; motivated to move forward, make decisions, and finalize details quickly once information is available.
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills, with a solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent time management skills, responsiveness to requests, and manages employee benefit matters with care.
• Ability to meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy.

US Citizenship required for work under DoD contracts.

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