Benefits Manager

Posted on June 5, 2023

Dentons US LLP is currently recruiting for a Benefits Manager. The Benefits Manager will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the Firm's Health and Welfare benefit plans. Primary benefit plans include health, dental, vision, life, disability, long term care, limited purpose and dependent care FSA, health savings account, vision, backup child care, and healthcare concierge service. The Benefits Manager will also have overall responsibility for all aspects of the Firm’s Wellness Program. This position will report to the Senior Director, HR and have on-going interaction and communication with all levels of personnel.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily administration of benefit plans with emphasis on client service for all Firm insureds. Actions include explanation of benefit plans and their application to specific situations, as well as active participation in escalated claim and coverage gap resolution for our insureds
• Manage all aspects of RFP process for all major benefit plans, as needed, including supervision of the Firm’s broker in all phases of the RFP process
• Summarize renewal planning, negotiation efforts and timeline, as well as make recommendations for benefit plan design, contribution strategy and carrier selection to Firm leadership, based upon financials, market conditions and legal requirements. Such recommendations to be made annually or as conditions may require
• Manage all aspects of designing, planning, developing and executing the Firm’s Wellness Program
• Manage and lead the Firm’s Wellness Committee
• Effectively manage expectations and relationships with benefits broker and all benefits vendors
• Understand benefits contracts and work with vendors on agreement/renewal negotiations and terms
• Prepare annual benefits budget and explain variances to Finance, as needed
• Serve as the HR representative for the Retirement Committee meetings and recurring calls with Retirement Benefits Third Party Administrator
• Responsible for all benefits content and communications
• Collaborate with the Firm’s benefits vendor and HRIS team for implementation, design, and maintenance of benefits administration within the benefit system. This process includes annual Open
• Enrollment process, new-hire process, carrier interfaces, premium collections, electronic information accessibility, and reporting capabilities as may be required internally and externally
• Oversee benefits related orientation materials and meetings for new or change of eligibility employees/partners to ensure full understanding of eligibility, plan design, available options, premium costs and allow for timely and accurate enrollment for insureds
• Oversee the analysis/testing of all benefit plans to ensure compliance with any/all applicable federal/state/local requirements - e.g. non-discrimination testing
• Manage the Firm's COBRA vendor
• Ensure ACA compliance
• Oversee administration of retiree programs for all eligible participants.
• Responsible for all Firm internal and external reporting requirements specific to benefit plans, e.g. Federal 5500 plan year reporting. Coordination of same with internal Firm resources to accomplish accurate/timely reporting
• Management of all aspects of leave and disability plan administration through vendor partner and ensure policy guidelines are followed
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of all leave of absence and benefits laws
• Management of three-person benefits department to accomplish all of the above
• Other projects as assigned by the Senior Director, HR

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience
• 7-10 years benefits experience; knowledge of Hawai`i benefits law and state and local paid leave laws highly preferred
• 3-5 years benefits management experience
• Experience in professional services environment highly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
• Experience interacting with all levels of internal and external clients
• Ability to effectively work in and respond to a fast-paced environment, frequently requiring support outside of regular business hours.
• Excellent time management and problem solving skills

Salary Range:
New York Only: $130,000 - $160,000

Dentons offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans. We are an Affirmative Action Employer. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.