Team Lead, Benefits Operations

Intro

 

Are you ready to explore a world of possibilities, both at work and during your time off? Join our American Airlines family, and you’ll travel the world, grow your expertise and become the best version of you. As you embark on a new journey, you’ll tackle challenges with flexibility and grace, learning new skills and advancing your career while having the time of your life. Feel free to enrich both your personal and work life and hop on board!

 

Why you'll love this job

 

This role will report to the Sr. Manager, 401(k) & Benefits Operations and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of American’s employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate administration, compliance, and exceptional service delivery.  This role will actively interface with Benefits Administration, Payroll, IT, People Business Partners, union representatives, and vendors. This position leads a team of benefits analysts to support operations.

 

What you'll do

 

• Team Leadership & Oversight
  • Supervise and mentor a team of benefits analysts
  • Delegate tasks, monitor performance, and provide coaching and training
  • Foster a collaborative and service-oriented team culture
  • Assist managers in creating a culture of open communication and continuous improvement
• Benefits Operations
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of health & welfare plan options
  • Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll deductions
  • Ability to troubleshoot and coordinate with payroll and IT teams on system issues related to benefits
  • Understanding how paid and unpaid leave impacts payroll and benefits eligibility
  • Maintain keen oversight through quality assurance reviews, proactive escalation research and timely issue resolution
  • Support annual enrollment including representation at in- person benefits fairs and other events, as needed
  • Become subject matter expert in systems and plan options, identifying areas for process improvement
• Compliance & Auditing
  • Ensure benefit plan deductions adhere to the plan documents, collective bargaining agreements, ERISA, and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and/or DOL requirements
  • Facilitate compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and applicable federal and statepayroll laws
  • Ensuring benefit deductions comply with federal and state laws
  • Supporting audits and preparing reports that involve payroll and benefits data
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management
  • Oversee the implementation of initiatives across departments and business units
  • Track TPA KPIs to ensure consistent service and drive improvement
• Participate in special projects, as needed

 

All you'll need for success

 

Minimum Qualifications - Education & Prior Job Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience required
• 3 years minimum relevant experience in corporate benefits
• 1 year of leading people, projects, or teams

 

Preferred Qualifications - Education & Prior Job Experience

• Previous experience working with and analyzing large datasets
• Prior SAP and SuccessFactors experience a plus
• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft products (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) with advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills

 

Skills, Licenses & Certifications

• Requires candidate to manage multiple projects, prioritize work and deliver high-quality
• Ability to accept ownership, responsibility, and accountability of functional obligations
• Independently able to research complex issues using strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to recommend resolutions
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work well with little supervision, and manage a number of projects simultaneously
• Ability to create and deliver presentations to all levels within the organization including Director and above
• Must possess exceptional attention to detail and the ability to maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality
• Capable of effectively prioritizing and multi-tasking while maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced, union environment
• Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with internal customers, team members, management, and external vendors
• Demonstrated presentation and public speaking skills
• Meets strict deadlines as provided by regulation or by the Manager

 

What you'll get

 

Feel fre