Human Resources Benefits Manager

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana offers a stable, community-focused environment with on-site work in New Orleans. The role carries a salary range of USD 70,000 to 80,000 per year and requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, along with at least five years of benefits administration experience. This position directs the day-to-day operation of group benefit programs and total rewards, acting as the primary employee contact for benefits options.

Benefits and culture

• Group health, dental, and vision coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 403(b) and 457 retirement plans
• Total rewards programs

Responsibilities

• Research compensation and benefits options from vendors to identify best value offerings
• Design and implement benefit and compensation programs
• Manage benefit plan renewals and overall compensation strategy, including vendor negotiations
• Coordinate data transfer with external contacts for services, premiums, and plan administration
• Ensure plans run smoothly and resolve discrepancies in non-routine situations
• Evaluate internal processes to reduce costs and boost efficiency
• Document administrative procedures for benefit and compensation processes
• Plan, schedule, and direct work assignments while ensuring regulatory compliance
• Maintain timely and accurate filings and long-range objectives for benefits programs
• Lead global project implementations related to total compensation, mergers and acquisitions, and HIPAA as they affect group benefits
• Oversee daily benefit processing including enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, and related claims
• Maintain employee benefit files and update payroll records
• Prepare and analyze benefit reports from Group Benefits databases
• Provide system support, test functionalities, and assist end users with issues
• Analyze current plans for usage, coverage, cost, and trends; propose design changes as needed
• Conduct plan audits beyond third-party reviews and prepare actuarial data for evaluations
• Monitor administrative costs and develop cost-containment strategies, including budgeting support
• Develop proactive communications to explain the benefits package and conduct orientations and open enrollment materials
• Deliver training and support to employees and create engaging presentations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• Master’s degree or HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, CCP) preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in benefits administration, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
• Proficiency in Word and Excel; prior experience with a HRIS is required

Technologies

• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint
• MS Access
• Netchex

Working relationships

• Collaborate with Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, and Brokers on benefits issues
• Coordinate with physicians, insurance providers, network providers, drug companies, attorneys, third-party administrators, and consultants
• Build and maintain strong relationships with benefits providers, brokers, and consultants

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Strong communication and organizational abilities
• Ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels
• Capability to market the organization and explain its mission
• English reading, writing, and speaking proficiency
• Willingness to work occasional extended hours, including weekends
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Project management and leadership experience; ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong analytical skills with knowledge of plan design and regulatory requirements
• Technical aptitude in MS Office and Netchex; familiarity with benefit contract language
• Knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, SECTION 125, Medicare, Social Security, and DOL requirements

Compliance and reporting

• Ensure benefits programs comply with applicable federal and state laws including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA, and HIPAA
• Prepare and file regulatory reports such as Form 5500
• Stay updated on changes in employee benefits laws and adjust programs accordingly