Benefits Operations Manager

The Benefits Operations Manager is responsible for the accurate execution, compliance, and optimization of all employee benefit programs. This role ensures a seamless employee experience through operational efficiency and integrity using process management, data validation, and system integration oversight. The position serves as the primary point of accountability for benefits-related compliance with federal and state regulations and LOA program management. It also drives continuous improvement in plan administration by leveraging HRIS platforms to drive automation, resolving escalated issues, managing file feeds, and ensuring the accurate flow of data between internal systems and external partners.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee administration of state Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) programs, regulatory sick leave plans, and company absence policies.

• Partner with the Leave Specialist team on managing disability, leave of absence, and accommodation programs, including vendor management and governing compliance.

• Ensure timely and accurate execution of state filings, compliance documentation, and leave/disability reporting.

• Act as technology liaison between benefit platforms and internal systems.

• Support long-term planning through benchmarking and competitive analysis of industry benefit practices.

• Identify and implement operational improvements, including automation of manual processes and policy enhancements.

• Lead initiatives to align benefits operations with the organization’s total rewards philosophy and future-of-work strategies.

• Manage the relationship with external analytics vendors, including oversight of deliverables, service levels, and data integrity.

• Collaborate closely with internal data analytics and HRIS teams to align on data sources, reporting standards, and business intelligence strategy.

• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and metrics for internal stakeholders and leadership teams to support benefits program performance, compliance, and strategic planning.

• Analyze benefits program utilization and trends to recommend strategic changes that support workforce health, productivity, and cost management.

• Maintain data integrity by managing system integrations, resolving file errors and ensuring smooth data flows between HRIS and vendor platforms.

• Serve as a thought partner to senior HR leaders in the design of scalable, employee-centric leave and wellness solutions.

• Contribute to risk mitigation strategies by proactively identifying regulatory or vendor performance issues and developing resolution plans.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in benefits operations or total rewards, with specific focus on leave management, disability, and absence plans.

• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to leave, disability, and state filings.

• Proven Project Management experience within benefits or HR Operations.

• Proficiency with Workday and experience with system integrations and file feed troubleshooting.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with benefits administration in unionized environments.

• Experience managing multiple vendor partner relationships

• Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ticketing/workflow system

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to create and maintain dashboards and produce actionable data insights.

• Strategic thinker with a strong continuous improvement mindset and attention to detail.

• Agility in navigating ambiguity and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes.

• High diligence and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations.

• Experience conducting benchmarking, trend analysis, and benefits plan optimization.

• Ability to align benefit operations with broader HR strategy and total rewards goals.

• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with all levels of leadership.

• Collaboration effectiveness and ability to work cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders.

• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

Working Conditions:

• RTP or Burlington, NC or Remote position

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