Our Benefits Manager plays a crucial role in employee benefits programs and efficient administration of our benefit offerings. With a focus on a multi-state workforce, this role aids in ensuring Fleet Feet continues to offer a rich and competitive benefits plan to support employee well-being and success. This role will build processes and efficiencies to ensure the administration of company benefits is compliant. The Benefits Manager will be responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of our employee benefits programs. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, leaves, and other employee perks. The Benefits Manager should have a strong background in benefits administration, excellent communication skills, and a passion for working in a retail environment that is fast-paced, while doing the right thing for employees and the business. This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of working in the office three days per week .

Benefits Administration:

Manage day-to-day benefits administration for health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other ancillary benefits. Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations, being mindful of multi-state compliance and risks. Proactively leverage third-party vendors to resolve issues and streamline benefits processes. Lead invoice reconciliation for various carriers and work to maintain accurate billing records. Track and manage current benefit participants, as well as COBRA participants and new hires. Lead annual Open Enrollment communication and process. Own and partner strategically and proactively with Leadership and external members on Benefits initiatives, projects, and issues, resolving to completion.

Customer Focus:

Respond to employee, vendor, and leadership benefits-related questions and inquiries in a timely and positive way. Work to maintain and update educational resources for employees (FAQs, Benefits site information, and other documents) using best practices for communications for our workforce. Balance the needs of the business, compliance with benefits, and employee needs

Communication and Collaboration:

Proactively partner and collaborate with internal departments (HR, Finance, Retail Ops, Payroll) and leverage HR Business Partners by providing information proactively and partnering with them on specific benefit situations. Effectively communicate and collaborate with your direct manager, sharing important information and asking questions when clarity is needed.

Compliance:

Lead and file benefits reporting and auditing including annual reports, various filings, including annual reports, various filings, and other mandated reporting (OSHA, 5500, ACA, etc.). Administer, track, and proactively manage/own Leaves in accordance with the Fleet Feet Handbook, Federal and State laws. Leverage tools and resources to stay up to date on industry trends and best practices.

Experience:

5+ years of Benefit Administration, preferably in a start-up or retail setting

Required Skills:

Proficiency and experience in Benefits Administration. Strong planning and time management skills. Clear, accurate and timely communication to get buy-in from stakeholders. Awareness of Federal and State regulations. Curious by nature, always seeking to understand more and doing investigative work. Willingness to dive in and get to the bottom of things. Knowledge of and experience with HR systems (HRIS & Benefit systems). Detail-oriented, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.