U.S. Benefits Manager

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

The U.S. Benefits Manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, and administering the Company’s U.S. health and welfare benefits and retirement savings programs. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Total Rewards, this role will lead the corporate benefits strategy and annual benefits budget, working in partnership with the benefits broker and all applicable vendors. This position will also ensure programs are effective, compliant, and contemporary while simultaneously managing costs in line with the annual budget. As a subject matter expert, the U.S. Benefits Manager will partner with field HR Business Partners, HRIT Analysts, Payroll, Senior Leadership, employees and vendors on all benefits matters, including post-M&A integration. This role will support a variety of HR systems, projects, and process improvement initiatives and will conduct analyses for benefits program administration and communication. This position oversees the development and setup of new and/or modified U.S. plans and assists with certain global employee benefits.

• Researches, analyzes, and recommends the overall strategy and design of the Company’s health, welfare, retirement, and savings plans.
• Leads the implementation and administration of all U.S. benefits programs.
• Oversees overall project implementations, RFPs, communications, vendor changes, plan design changes, harmonization efforts, and issue resolution.
• Manages multiple vendor relationships to ensure effective service delivery
• Determines and identifies cost-effective benefits practices and programs and recommends benefit changes that align to the overall business strategy.
• Leads implementation of new benefit programs and harmonization efforts
• Remains apprised of legislative regulations, benefit market trends, and practices among similar organizations. Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits makes recommendations to management.
• Ensures appropriate and timely communications with employees and government agencies.
• Oversees internal and external auditing of benefit programs including data provision and coordination with third parties to ensure compliance. Serves as HIPPA Privacy Officer
• Responsible for all employee claim appeals and ensuring appropriate and timely resolution
• Administers annual U.S. Health and Welfare Benefits Strategy, budget preparation, annual open enrollment, and daily administration for all active employees and retirees.
• Prepares and executes, with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as original and amended plan documents, contractual agreements, and insurance policies.
• Ensures compliance with ERISA and other legal requirements including but not limited to annual updates and communication of plan documents and summary plan descriptions.
• Prepares audits, reports, and required legal filings with federal and state agencies (i.e., IRS, DOL, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies)
• Acts as liaison between employees, retirees, and vendors to quickly and effectively resolve outstanding issues, inquiries, and complaints regarding global benefits programs.
• Drafts and delivers employee communications for annual US benefits open enrollment, plan changes or updates, and other communications as required. Advises and counsels management and employees on existing programs.
• Develops recommendations for new plans or modifies existing plans to help maintain company's competitive position in labor market. Evaluates and compares existing company programs with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys, and other sources of information.
• Analyzes, recommends, and implements continuous improvement initiatives across assigned processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Travel up 20% may be required as necessitated by projects and assigned work streams

EDUCATION:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field required
• CEBS certification preferred
• PHR/SPHR certification preferred

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 5-10 years of related experience with expertise in multi-state benefits administration, including Section 125 regulations, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, IRS, FLSA regulations, and ERISA
• Previous experience utilizing benefits administration platforms (i.e., BSwift) and payroll applications (i.e., Dayforce HCM, ADP, Infinium, Kronos, etc.)
• Significant experience working with third-party vendors and benefits brokers
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience with a publicly traded company, post-M&A integration, and manufacturing

COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills required - professional maturity, self-awareness, sound judgment and a high level of discretion and integrity
• Strong analytical, research, problem solving, and project management skills with ability to identify problems and present viable solutions
• Ability to form productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including employees at all levels and external sources such as vendors, governmental agencies, etc.
• Demonstrated planning and organization skills, with high attention to detail
• Positive attitude, flexible and able to independently manage projects and workload in a fast-paced environment
• Solution focused and results-oriented
• Strong analytical, systems, data interface, project management and vendor management skills
• Strong customer-oriented focus with an ability to deal with individuals at all levels of the organization