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Benefits & Leave Manager

Company Description

OUR STORY:

Equinox Group is a high growth collective of the world's most influential, experiential, and differentiated lifestyle brands. We restlessly seek what is next for maximizing life - and boldly grow the lifestyle brands and experiences that define it. In addition to Equinox, our other brands, SoulCycle and Equinox Hotels are all recognized for inspiring and motivating members and employees to maximize life. Our portfolio of brands is recognized globally with locations within every major city across the United States in addition to London, Toronto, and Vancouver. 

OUR CODE:

We are passionate about high performance living and we practice what we preach – investing time in our own health and fitness. We believe that everyone has untapped potential within them and it takes a disruptive approach to unleash it. We dream big and don’t settle for the status quo. We sweat the details. We never accept less than 110% to help each other deliver the Equinox experience and enable our members to get great results.  We are obsessed with what’s new, what’s now, what’s next. Never following, always leading, and living ahead of the moment in fashion, culture, and consumer behavior. We aren’t just a company; we’re a community vested in each other’s success. We value humility and a team approach at every level of the company.

If you are a high performing individual who is passionate about winning and inspiring others then we are excited to discuss career opportunities with you.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a Manager, Benefits & Leave to support the People Services Team at our New York City office!

Benefits

Supporting the benefit administration of healthcare, 401(k), and all other benefits to a large population with varying eligibility and offerings. Goal to simplify and drive an exemplary employee experience.

Leave administration and support

Supports and coordinates all US, Canadian, and UK leaves of absence cases across the organization including coordinating workers’ compensation claims. This includes general administration of disability, statutory leaves, and  company, comprehensive case management and compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act and all related employment laws.

Responsibilities

  • Support ongoing day to day management of the benefit operations and administration of health, welfare, and 401(k) plans for over 13,000 employees in the US, Canada, and UK
  • Own relationship with benefits administer including to monitor and problem-solve administrative issues update records due to status changes, resolve escalated enrollment issues, suggest improved administrative procedures, build out the benefit portal to support the employee experience
  • Ensure payment of invoices and accruing relevant cost
  • Execute controls related to processing invoices and payroll functions
  • Implement benefits related regulations, procedures, and documentation (including payroll and accounting activities)
  • Carry out administrative reconciliations to comply with internal controls and the company's requirements
  • Own data review across all offerings including benefits administration, 401(k), and all other vendor partners that relay on our data.
  • Work closely with all parties including People & culture, third party providers, payroll, and legal to address routine inquiries and issues and be accountable for the timely research and resolution of these inquires
  • Support internal and external team members with benefits related questions
  • Own the execution of Annual Benefits Enrollment which includes plan changes, oversight of vendor project management, review and testing of benefits offerings, cost changes, benefit communication review, and participate in Club open enrollment meetings
  • Assists with compliance regulations including 5500 filing, ACA reporting, Non-discrimination testing, San Francisco Ordinance (SFO) filing etc.
  • Conduct annual review of and manage certain plan documents including but not limited to SPD’s, SBC’s and SAR’s
  • Maintain knowledge of evolving benefit laws
  • Ensure compliance on a state, federal and local employee benefit regulations
  • Help draft routine communication materials for People & Culture and team members
  • Develop and maintain process documentation as well as ensure the proper documentation/accessibility of all plan documents and summaries
  • Investigate discrepancies in non-routine situations and provides recommendations for solutions
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for disability, leave and workers’ compensation in alignment and under the general direction and guidance of the People & Culture and the legal team.
  • Interpret and manage all company leave programs and policies in accordance with the applicable federal,state and Canadian provincial laws (FMLA, ADA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, etc.).
  • Engage with team members with inquires about their leave and engage with interactive process with employee if necessary
  • Partner closely with internal partners including team mangers and People & Culture to provide status updates on leave claims
  • Maintain employee leave of absence tracker, including providing biweekly leave reporting to People & Culture team members
  • Conduct biweekly leave meetings as needed to discuss open leave and accommodation activity
  • Manage vendor relationship with leave administrators to ensure all claims are being handled consistently, policy/process changes are being implemented accurately and escalations are addressed
  • Manage all administrative aspects of leave and workers’ compensation claims to include providing necessary leave policy paperwork to team members, completing workers’ compensation documentation (C11/C240), OSHA Annual Reporting requirements and State leave paperwork requirements
  • Maintain leave status updates in HRIS system, utilize vendor and internal pay reporting to calculate and enter pay for team members on leave, ensuring team members return timely, and working closely with the People & Culture and Payroll teams to ensure that pay is accurate and correct.
  • Partner with leave administrators to maintain appropriate contact with all team members on leave and return to work
  • Manage STD/LTD programs and vendor relationships. Ensures that STD claims are coordinated with FMLA or general medical cases.
  •  Assist with implementing new processes and updating policies to align with organizational growth
  • Draft leave communications including notices of new State/Federal leave law changes
  • Manage Benefits Department email inbox and respond to employee inquiries in a timely and thorough manner
  • Help train, develop, and support Benefit Generalist
  • Ad-hoc projects as assigned

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in 401(k), Benefits management (including Canadian), or other relevant professional experience, and healthcare plan design is required
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills, attention to details and excellent follow through
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize accordingly
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft office
  • Knowledge and benefits environment, regulations and compliance requirements
  • Knowledge of benefits environment, regulations and compliance requirements including health, wealth, and 401(k)
  • Five years of experience in managing leave cases (FMLA, STD) and workers’ compensation claims
  • Strong vendor management skills
  • Team player who can easily multi-task and manage multiple projects
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
  • Motivated and proactive
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Ideal candidate demonstrates accountability, thinks critically and demonstrates courage when presenting ideas
  • Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
  • Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information

Pay Transparency: $120k - $140k

Additional Information

AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUINOX TEAM YOU WILL RECEIVE:

  • We offer competitive salary, benefits, and industry leading commission opportunities for club employees
  • Complimentary Club membership
  • Perks and incentives with our products and services including Personal Training, Pilates, Spa and Shop

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.

Equinox is an equal opportunity employer. For more information regarding our career opportunities, please visit one of our clubs or our website at https://careers.equinox.com/

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United States.

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CEO of Equinox
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Average salary estimate

$130000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$120000K
$140000K

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What You Should Know About Benefits & Leave Manager, Equinox

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with Equinox Group as a Benefits & Leave Manager? Located in vibrant New York City, this is not just a job; it's an opportunity to join a dynamic team that’s all about maximizing life through our renowned lifestyle brands like Equinox, SoulCycle, and Equinox Hotels. The Benefits & Leave Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing benefits administration and leave management for over 13,000 employees across the US, Canada, and the UK. Your mission will be to simplify and enhance the employee experience through stellar benefits programs, as well as coordinating leave of absence cases to ensure compliance with all relevant laws. You'll be the go-to person for complex inquiries, working closely with internal teams and third-party providers to streamline processes. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits management and a strong grasp of healthcare plan design. You’ll need excellent communication skills, great organization, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Not only will you navigate the complexities of benefits and leave regulations, but you will also foster a positive workplace culture by supporting team members every step of the way. At Equinox, we believe in investing in our team, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and unique perks, all while creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Join us in making a difference, and let’s redefine success together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Benefits & Leave Manager Role at Equinox
What are the key responsibilities of the Benefits & Leave Manager at Equinox Group?

As a Benefits & Leave Manager at Equinox Group, your primary responsibilities will include managing benefits operations for a diverse workforce, overseeing the administration of health and welfare plans, and handling leave cases across multiple regions. You will be engaged in enhancing the employee experience through effective benefits communication, resolving administrative issues, and ensuring compliance with federal and local laws relating to leave management.

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What qualifications are required for the Benefits & Leave Manager position at Equinox Group?

The Benefits & Leave Manager role at Equinox Group requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits management and leave administration, preferably dealing with complex cases. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess strong analytical and communication skills. Knowledge of relevant regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and workers’ compensation requirements is essential for this role.

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How does the Benefits & Leave Manager collaborate with other departments at Equinox Group?

The Benefits & Leave Manager at Equinox Group works closely with various departments, including People & Culture, payroll, and legal teams, to address inquiries, resolve issues related to benefits and leave, and ensure compliance with regulations. This collaborative approach is vital for delivering an exemplary employee experience throughout the benefits lifecycle.

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What is the annual benefits enrollment process for the Benefits & Leave Manager at Equinox Group?

During the annual benefits enrollment process, the Benefits & Leave Manager at Equinox Group oversees plan changes, communicates with vendors, and participates in organizational meetings to inform employees about new offerings. This involves thorough reviews and testing of benefits offerings, ensuring that employees understand their options and the associated costs.

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What unique benefits does Equinox Group offer to its employees, including the Benefits & Leave Manager?

Equinox Group offers a competitive salary range of $120k - $140k for its Benefits & Leave Manager position, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy exclusive perks, including a complimentary club membership, access to various wellness and fitness services, and generous opportunities for professional development within the organization.

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Common Interview Questions for Benefits & Leave Manager
Can you explain your experience with benefits administration and how it relates to the role of Benefits & Leave Manager?

When answering this question, highlight your direct experience managing benefits for a diverse workforce, mentioning specific plans you've administered. Discuss how you've improved processes and enhanced employee experiences, showcasing your problem-solving skills and abilities in a similar role.

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How do you ensure compliance with employee leave laws such as FMLA?

To answer this, outline your systematic approach to staying updated on legal requirements, including regular training, reviews of policies, and engagement with legal teams. Sharing examples of previous cases where you successfully implemented compliance measures would illustrate your expertise.

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Describe a challenge you faced in managing benefits or leave cases and how you overcame it.

When discussing a challenge, select a specific instance that showcases your analytical abilities and communication skills. Explain the situation, the steps you took to address it, and the positive outcome, emphasizing your capacity to manage complex issues effectively.

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How do you keep up with changes in benefits regulations and compliance requirements?

To effectively respond to this question, mention the resources and networks you utilize to stay current, including attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant publications, and engaging with professional organizations dedicated to benefits management.

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What strategies do you implement to enhance the employee experience regarding benefits?

Discuss specific strategies you've utilized, such as creating comprehensive communication materials or leveraging technology to streamline processes. Focus on your commitment to effectively communicating benefits information and supporting employees' overall well-being.

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Can you describe your experience handling vendor relationships, especially related to benefits administration?

Share your direct experiences managing vendor interactions for benefits administration. Highlight your negotiation skills and any initiatives you took to improve service delivery or resolve issues effectively. Providing examples will strengthen your answer.

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In what ways do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects as a Benefits & Leave Manager?

Here, emphasis should be on your organizational skills and project management techniques. You might mention tools or methodologies you use, such as Gantt charts or prioritization grids, and provide examples of how these have helped you meet deadlines in the past.

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Explain your approach to annual benefits enrollment and communication.

Discuss your systematic approach to managing the annual enrollment process from planning to execution. Highlight how you engage employees through effective communication, ensuring they understand their options and feel empowered to make informed decisions.

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How do you assess and manage employee feedback regarding benefits programs?

To answer this, present methods you’ve employed to gather and analyze employee feedback, such as surveys or focus groups. Highlight adjustments you’ve made based on this feedback to demonstrate your responsiveness to employee needs.

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What role does teamwork play in benefits and leave management and how do you foster collaboration?

Emphasize the importance of teamwork in benefits administration and how you cultivate collaboration across departments. Provide specific examples of cross-functional projects you've led and how this approach improved processes or outcomes.

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In everything we do, we create the possibility for people to maximize the potential within themselves.

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DATE POSTED
April 18, 2025

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