Benefits Manager {D} (Finance)

Position Overview (Summary/Objective):

The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, administration, and communication of employee benefits programs for the company with offices and remote locations in 30 states and in the United Kingdom. This role will work closely with external partners and internal stakeholders to optimize and continuously improve the benefits offerings, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. The position is fully on site in Danbury, CT and reports to the Director of Human Resources for ARKA Group and manages a department of two.

Responsibilities:

• Benefits Program Management
  • Manage the design, implementation, and administration of health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs for the entire company.
  • Evaluate existing benefit programs to ensure competitiveness and alignment with the company's benefits philosophy and goals.

• Develop and implement communication programs to enhance employee engagement and understanding of benefit offerings.
• Be an escalation point for employee benefits questions and issues

• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead a small team of benefit professionals.
• Set team goals, monitor performance, and foster professional growth.
• Ensure smooth daily operations of the benefits team and manage workload distribution.
• Vendor Management
• Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, and consultants.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure high-quality service delivery and cost efficiency.
• Work with benefits broker to ensure an effective renewal process with a focus on quality of services, cost, and implementation.
• Manage new and existing vendor contracts working closely with our broker and internal partners.
• Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to HIPAA, CAA, ERISA, COBRA, Health & Welfare 5500 filings, annual legal notices and non-discrimination testing.
• Oversee audits and reporting requirements for all benefit programs, including the 401k.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for regulatory purposes.
• Maintain appropriate level of awareness and knowledge of new regulations to ensure company compliance in all benefit offerings.
• Strategic Planning & Analysis
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure alignment of benefit programs to organizational objectives.
• Employee Communication & Education
• Develop and implement communication strategies to ensure employees understand and utilize benefit programs effectively.
• Budget and Financial Management
• Manage the budget for all benefits programs.
• Ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices.

Basic Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in benefits management to include management of 401k plans.
• People management experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits.
• Proven experience managing benefit vendors.
• Fluency in employer wellness and wellbeing programs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong customer service orientation.
• Team player.
• Excellent Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with UKG
• Ability to develop effective presentations (PowerPoint)

Location:

The position is located onsite at our facility in Danbury, CT. Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We're close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities - great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Continuing education benefit up to $25k/year for approved programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources

TC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires the incumbent to access export-controlled information. If you are not a US Person, any offer is contingent upon the Company's ability to obtain a special license granting you access. This could take several months. You will not be able to begin employment until such license is obtained.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Employment with any of the ARKA Group companies in the US is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check and drug screen.