Manager of Benefits and Employee Relations

Title: Manager of Benefits and Employee Relations

Position Summary:
The Employee Relations Manager is a key member of the People Experience team responsible for managing day-to-day employee relations and front-facing benefits administration. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employees with inquiries related to benefits, leaves of absence, and workers’ compensation, while also supporting compliance, conflict resolution, and positive employee engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of employee benefits programs, labor regulations, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Benefits Administration & Support:

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee benefits inquiries via the benefits inbox; provide timely, accurate, and empathetic responses
• Liaise with the finance department and benefits vendors to troubleshoot issues and ensure employee needs are met efficiently.
• Coordinate benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations in partnership with finance and payroll partners.
• Provide education and support to employees regarding health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, and other company-sponsored benefit programs. Led the education and communication efforts for Annual Open Enrollment.

Leave of Absence Oversight:

• Lead a team who oversees all types of employee leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, personal, parental, military, etc.) from intake to return-to-work, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and internal policies
• Collaborate with third-party leave administrators and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions and accurate recordkeeping.
• Communicate leave rights and responsibilities to employees and leaders. Provide ongoing education to employees and leaders regarding leave programs and processes.

Workers' Compensation Administration:

• Lead a team who oversees all aspects of workers’ compensation claims, including intake, follow-ups, documentation, and coordination with insurance carriers.
• Monitor ongoing cases and facilitate return-to-work processes, when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records, in partnership with the Compliance department and other internal stakeholders, and comply with OSHA and other legal requirements.

Employee Relations:

• Partner with the Vice President of Employee Relations to address employee concerns, conduct investigations, and/or partner with leaders on resolving workplace issues with fairness and consistency.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders regarding performance management and approaches to workplace matters including, but not limited to, employment law, conflict resolution, workplace culture/climate and leadership competencies.
• Maintain detailed and confidential documentation related to employee relations matters.
• Partner with the Vice President of Employee Relations to oversee the annual evaluation process annually.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (required); SHRM-CP/PHR certification a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, or a combination of Human Resources and leadership experience, with a focus on employee relations, benefits, and/or leave administration.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and workers’ compensation regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

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All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.