Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Benefits Manager or Director to lead and stabilize employee benefits operations during a period of increased organizational demand and limited staffing.

This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role within a fast-paced, high-accountability environment. The benefits function is currently lean, and this role will require an individual who is comfortable stepping into a complex operation that needs immediate structure, ownership, and execution.

Candidates should approach this opportunity eyes open: the culture is demanding, expectations are high, and success will require both strategic expertise and a strong willingness to operate in the details.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Strategy & Administration

• Own the full lifecycle of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits

• Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely administration of all benefits offerings

• Evaluate plan performance, utilization, and costs; recommend enhancements and cost-containment strategies

• Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and communication

Operational Leadership

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues and employee inquiries

• Manage vendor relationships, brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators

• Oversee benefit audits, reconciliation processes, and carrier billing accuracy

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and IRS requirements

People & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop benefits staff as headcount allows

• Operate effectively in a short-staffed environment while building sustainable processes for long-term stability

• Establish clear workflows, documentation, and service standards

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with HR leadership, payroll, finance, and legal teams

• Support workforce growth, high-volume hiring activity, and operational expansion

• Provide benefits guidance to leadership on workforce planning and employee experience initiatives

Work Environment & Expectations

• Fast-paced, deadline-driven culture with high standards of accountability

• Significant workload due to lean staffing and operational demand

• Requires strong prioritization, resilience, and the ability to remain composed under pressure

• This role is not purely strategic, it requires consistent hands-on execution

Qualifications

Required

• 7–12+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits administration

• Proven experience leading benefits programs in complex or high-growth environments

• Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations and compliance requirements

• Experience managing vendor relationships and benefit renewals

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively during periods of limited resources

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or highly operational environments

• Prior leadership of benefits teams or enterprise-scale programs

• Experience supporting large, multi-state employee populations

Key Competencies

• High ownership mentality and strong work ethic

• Ability to manage competing priorities with limited support

• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through

• Strong communication skills with both employees and executive leadership

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building structure where little exists