Benefits and Leave Manager

Scope of Work The Benefits Manager is responsible for the comprehensive management of employee benefits programs, workers' compensation, leave administration, and wellness initiatives for the City of Midland. This leadership role ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, mitigates organizational risk, and provides strategic direction to enhance employee benefits offerings and services. The position oversees program administration, vendor relationships, and data integrity across HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems while delivering high-quality, customer-focused support to employees and departments. This position supports the City's strategic plan by enhancing employee well-being, strengthening recruitment and retention efforts, and ensuring sustainable, compliant, and competitive benefits, leave, and wellness programs. Essential Job Duties Benefits Administration Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and wellness initiatives. Evaluate plan performance and recommend enhancements to ensure competitiveness, sustainability, and alignment with organizational goals. Collaborate with external vendors, brokers, and consultants to evaluate options, negotiate contracts, and ensure high-quality service delivery. Develop and execute benefits communication strategies to ensure employees are well-informed of available programs, plan changes, and deadlines. Conduct regular audits to ensure accuracy of enrollments, eligibility, and plan compliance. Analyze utilization and claims trends to identify cost-containment strategies while maintaining competitive benefits offerings. HRIS, Payroll & Data Integration Manage integrations across HRIS, payroll, and benefits platforms; proactively audit data flows, troubleshoot EDI file errors, and ensure alignment of employee records, enrollments, and payroll deductions. Serve as the primary owner of benefits-related data integrity across systems, ensuring accuracy and consistency between HRIS, payroll, and vendor platforms. Partner with IT, payroll, and vendors to resolve system issues, improve processes, and enhance system functionality. Compliance and Reporting Ensure all benefits and leave practices comply with federal, state, and local laws, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, and ADA. Ensure ACA compliance, including preparation, review, and timely distribution of Form 1095-C; validate data accuracy, coordinate with payroll/HRIS, and manage annual IRS reporting requirements. Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies, auditors, and insurance providers. Conduct periodic program and policy reviews to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Workers' Compensation Manage the organization's workers' compensation program, including claims administration, coordination with insurers, and regulatory compliance. Partner with departments and insurance carriers to facilitate effective return-to-work processes for injured employees. Monitor claims activity and implement strategies to reduce the frequency and cost of claims through effective case management and program oversight. Leave Administration Oversee the administration of employee leave programs, including FMLA, injury-related leave, long-term disability, and other applicable leave programs. Ensure compliance with applicable leave laws and regulations, including FMLA and ADA. Monitor leave activity and trends to ensure accurate tracking, timely processing, and consistent application of policies across the organization. Partner with departments to address operational impacts of leave and support effective workforce planning. Communicate with employees and management regarding leave policies, eligibility, and return-to-work procedures. Employee Engagement & Events Coordinate and execute benefits-related events, including open enrollment, retirement seminars, PHA clinics, and wellness initiatives. Manage event logistics, vendor partnerships, and employee communications to drive engagement and participation. Promote employee participation in benefits and wellness programs through targeted outreach and education. Leadership and Strategy Provide leadership and direction for benefits, wellness, workers' compensation, and leave administration functions. Establish goals, monitor performance, and ensure delivery of high-quality services. Mentor and develop staff, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented team environment. Partner with senior leadership to align benefits, leave, and wellness strategies with organizational priorities. Monitor industry trends and recommend program improvements to maintain competitive and sustainable offerings. Physical and Environmental Conditions Office environment with occasional travel to City facilities or professional development events. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Experience Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities In-depth knowledge of employee benefits, workers' compensation, and leave administration practices. Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ADA. Strong leadership and team management abilities. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly related to data integrity and systems troubleshooting. Ability to manage HRIS integrations, EDI processes, and benefits platforms. High level of discretion in handling confidential information. Proficiency in HRIS systems, benefits administration platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.