Job DetailsPosition Summary The Benefits Manager is responsible for the administration, compliance, and strategic optimization of all employee benefit programs across our Dental Support Organization (DSO). This role oversees medical, dental, vision, ancillary benefits, 401(k), workers’ compensation, and outsourced leave programs, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for all employees across practices. The Benefits Manager serves as the organizational subject-matter expert for benefit regulations, vendor management, plan performance, audit processes, and employee support. --- Key Responsibilities Benefit Program Administration · Manage daily administration of all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and voluntary benefits. · Maintain accurate benefit configurations and data integrity within HRIS/benefit platforms. · Oversee annual open enrollment planning, communication, system updates, and issue resolution. · Serve as primary liaison with benefit brokers, carriers, and vendors to ensure service-level expectations are met. · Evaluate plan performance, identify trends, and recommend changes to enhance cost-effectiveness and employee value.       401(k) & Retirement Plans · Manage 401(k) plan administration, including eligibility, enrollments, employer contributions, audits, nondiscrimination testing, and compliance communications. · Coordinate with external plan administrators to resolve employee questions and ensure accurate reporting. · Partner with HRIS and payroll to ensure accurate and timely deductions and contributions. Workers’ Compensation Oversight · Serve as organizational lead for workers’ compensation program and claims management. · Partner with carrier(s), third-party administrators, and practice leaders to ensure timely reporting, case follow-up, and return-to-work practices. · Support efforts to reduce injury frequency and severity; provide reporting and analytics for leadership. · Ensure accurate coding, claim documentation, and compliance with state WC regulations across all locations. Leave Programs (Outsourced Administration) · Oversee all outsourced leave-of-absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, personal leave, and disability leaves. · Ensure vendor performance meets service expectations, timelines, compliance requirements, and employee experience standards. · Partner with HRBPs, practice leaders, and Payroll to ensure accurate coordination of pay, benefits continuation, and return-to-work. · Review escalated or complex leave cases; ensure proper documentation and legal compliance. Compliance & Reporting · Ensure all benefits programs remain compliant with federal and state requirements, including ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, Section 125, FMLA, and applicable state-specific regulations. · Prepare and submit required reporting (ACA, EEO, 5500 filings, WC audits, etc.). · Maintain plan documents, SOPs, benefit guides, and employee-facing resources. · Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and reconciliation as needed. Data, Systems & Vendor Management · Oversee benefit system integrations, EDI feeds, eligibility files, and data accuracy across platforms. · Partner with HRIS to ensure efficient workflows, automated processes, and data validation controls. · Review invoices, reconcile billing, and manage vendor contracts and renewals. · Monitor KPIs related to benefits utilization, leave cases, claims trends, and workforce impact. Employee & Manager Support · Provide escalated support for complex employee inquiries related to benefits, leaves, or WC. · Develop and deliver employee education materials, benefit orientations, and training for practice managers and HR partners. · Ensure consistent communication across all practices with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.   QualificationsQualifications Required · Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). · 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, WC management, or leave-of-absence oversight. · Strong knowledge of benefit compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA). · Experience managing third-party vendors and benefit platforms/HRIS. · Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Preferred · Experience in a healthcare, dental, or multi-location DSO environment. · Professional certification (CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP/SCP). · Experience leading annual open enrollment cycles. · Familiarity with Paycom or similar HRIS/benefits systems. --- Competencies · Strong organizational and project management skills · Ability to manage confidential information with discretion · Analytical mindset with attention to accuracy and detail · Ability to partner cross-functionally with HR, Payroll, Finance, and practice leadership · Customer-focused approach to employee support · Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution --- Working Conditions · Remote work from home · Will require limited travel to team meetings or benefit trainings