Job Information
About the Position
Introduction
Werfen
Werfen is a growing, family-owned, innovative company founded in 1966 in Barcelona, Spain. We are a worldwide leader in specialized diagnostics in the areas of Hemostasis, Acute Care Diagnostics, Transfusion, Autoimmunity, and Transplant. Through our Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) business line, we research, develop, and manufacture customized assays and biomaterials. We operate directly in 30 countries, and in more than 100 territories through distributors. Our Headquarters and Technology Centers are located in the US and Europe, and our workforce is more than 7,000 strong.
Our success comes from a specific focus in these rapidly evolving diagnostic areas, our commitment to customers, and our dedication to innovation and quality. We’re passionate about providing healthcare professionals the most valuable and complete solutions to improve hospital efficiency and enhance patient care.
Overview
Job Summary
The Senior Benefits Manager is responsible for management and administration for both US and Canada based benefits, and directly supervises benefits representatives or coordinator level roles. Working under minimal supervision, the Senior Benefits Manager administers full range of benefits for employees, resolves employee benefit problems and communicates benefits coverage to employees. The Senior Benefits Manager works with external vendors such as plan record keepers, actuaries, auditors, and attorneys to administer employee benefits plans and ensure they are compliant. This position reports directly to the Director of Benefits, Compensation, and HRIS
Responsibilities
Key Accountabilities
- Monitors and evaluates the company’s benefit programs including medical, dental, life/disability and retirement plans, to ensure programs are current with trends, practices and costs and compliance. Assists with the overall strategic benefit planning for the company
- Develops benefits budget and annually forecast and analyze benefit program spending and financial commitment
- Assists with identifying cost savings opportunities to ensure budget targets are achieve
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies
- Expedites delivery of benefits by establishing and maintaining working relationships with benefit providers
- Plays a key role as a member of the benefits committee making recommendations on potential benefit changes and longer-term strategies as well as tracking and providing a summary and follow up on topics discussed during benefit s committee meetings. Maintains meeting minutes.
- Manages 401(k) Plan communications to employees, including organizing meetings and coordinating communication efforts with vendor. Conducts annual 401(k) non- discrimination project
- Assesses and recommend new procedures as appropriate
- Assists with identifying cost savings opportunities to ensure budget targets are achieved
- Participates in promoting employee wellness through seminars, newsletters and other communications venues
- Ensuring benefits programs are in compliance with all federal and state regulations concerning benefits programs (e.g., ERISA, HIPPA, COBRA, FMLA and PPACA). Keeps up to date on changes in applicable laws and regulations that impact benefits administration.
- Ensure appropriate controls, documentation and recordkeeping are maintained.
- May be responsible for annual compliance projects, to include 5500 filings and SARs, PBGC filings
- Updates and disseminates benefits communications materials, including SPD’s, SAR’s and SBC
- Provides oversight for workers compensation, STD and LTD programs
- Manages plans for current and retired employees through the following activities:
- Assists with annual open enrollment activities
- Process employee LOA’s for STD and LTD and WC.
- Participates in Pension and Savings Plan Administration
- Process Claims for active and retirees
- May counsel employees on retirement process and benefits
- Resolves employee questions and problems by interpreting benefit policies and procedures
- Maintain pension database for current retirees
- Prepare annual pension valuation data for all participants
- Retiree Medical Insurance Administration
- Other projects or assignments as needed
- Performs analysis, audits and other project work as needed
- Supervises other Benefits Representatives
Networking/Key relationships
To be determined based on department needs, to include interactions such as:
- Local/Country HR Team members, including but not limited to HR Business Partners, HR Managers, HR Directors, HR VP, Compensation & Benefits, HRIS, Talent Acquisition
- Corporate HR Team
- Finance Business Partner
- Payroll
- Facilities
- Legal
- Client Groups, as assigned.
- External Vendors, where appropriate
Qualifications
Minimum Knowledge & Experience required for the position:
- Bachelors Degree
- Professional Benefits Certification desireable but not required
- 5 or more years of managing a benefits team for mid sized or large company
- Strong verbal and written communications skills
- Ability to maintain professional demeanor under pressure and effectively work with employees at all levels while maintaining a keen sense of urgency and commitment to providing exceptional service to employees
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Experience in fully insured and self insured benefits plans and 401k plans. Familiarity with pension plan administration (active and/or terminated plans) is helpful
- Experience and familiarity with Canadian benefits is desired but not required
*Management has the discretion of substituting relevant work experience for a degree and/or making exceptions to the years of experience requirement.
Skills & Capabilities:
- Strong internal and external customer service skills
- Ability to work autonomously and deliver on business results
- Ability to demonstrate independent judgment and decision-making capabilitiesAbility to build and maintain relationships with employees from all backgrounds and across organizational levels
- Ability to work collaboratively & cross-functionally
- Strong Customer Focus & Customer Service Mentality
- Business Acumen
- Managing Diversity
- Problem Solving
- Strong Organization, Planning and Time Management skills
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflict
- Strong familiarity with and comfort with HR databases and Microsoft Office including Powerpoint and Excel)
Travel requirements:
Approximatley 5%
If you are interested in constantly learning and being challenged on a daily basis we encourage you to submit your resume or CV.
Werfen is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workplace. Werfen strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable state or federal law. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact NAtalentacquisition@werfen.com for assistance.
We operate directly in over 30 countries, and in more than 100 territories through distributors. Annual revenue is approximately $2 billion and more than 7,000 employees around the world comprise our Werfen team.
www.werfen.com
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