Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

This position is responsible for the daily administration of the company's health, welfare, and 401(k) benefit plans including leave and disability accommodation requests. The Benefits Manager will work closely with the SVP of Total Rewards to facilitate new hire orientation, the annual open enrollment process, and run the day-to-day administration of Antares' benefit programs and leave administration while ensuring programs remain competitive and compliant with applicable law.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees day-to-day management of the Company's U.S., Canadian and other international employee benefit and leave plans to ensure the plans meet strategic objectives.
• Manage U.S. and Canadian employee benefit programs to ensure the attraction, retention and motivation of employees, including but not limited to retirement plans (defined contribution), health & welfare plans (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSAs, HRAs, HSAs, EAP, student debt, transit, and voluntary programs), and may include Workers' Compensation, and retiree benefits.
• Develops plan change recommendations to ensure programs are competitive, cost-competitive and aligned with company strategy and oversees implementation of approved changes.
• Monitors internal metrics, industry and workforce trends, as well as regulatory and legislative changes, working with HR leadership and strategic business units to help create corporate benefits strategy.
• Develops and executes change management and communication strategies to ensure all parties are fully informed of benefit plan changes and improve employee understanding, promote consumerism and foster appreciation of the value of all Company-sponsored benefit programs and services to employees through employment life cycle, including new hires, open enrollment, retirement and respond to day-to-day issues.
• Manages all third-party vendor relationships (i.e., Lockton, Fidelity, Health Equity, BCBSIL, MetLife, Lincoln Financial, etc.) to ensure efficient and effective administration of all benefit plans. Continually evaluate internal and external administrative processes. Select and regularly evaluate all third-party vendors and service providers to ensure programs are managed by high quality firms.
• Assist with annual Open Enrollment process including development of materials, communications, Workday system configuration, testing and auditing.
• Manage 401(k) plan including resolving any issues and auditing to ensure compliance.
• Assist with ensuring all benefit plan compliance requirements are met including testing, auditing, Form 5500 filings, EEO-1 reports, required notices and 1095-C reporting/filing.
• Project manager for annual enrollment process, which includes synchronization with vendors, development of written communications, and coordination of employee information sessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, finance or related field
• Experience with Workday benefits administration strongly preferred
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation strongly preferred
• 5-10 years of experience in direct benefit administration
• Strong working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, Affordable Health Care Act and federal and state laws regarding retirement benefits.
• Proficiency with PowerPoint, Word, One Note, SharePoint and high-level proficiency in Excel
• Ability to manage multiple critical, time-sensitive projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality in all matters related to employee compensation and benefits

Competencies

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others.
• Customer Service: Providing excellent service to clients or customers.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and contribute to group goals.
• Responsibility: Demonstrating reliability, accountability, and commitment to tasks.
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding business dynamics, market trends, and industry insights.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and honesty in all interactions.
• Time Management: Efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks.
• Creativity: Thinking innovatively and proposing fresh ideas.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of relevant software, tools, or technologies.
• Project Management: Successfully planning, executing, and monitoring projects.

The fine print

• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to align with pre-employment screening, including but not limited to drug testing, reference verification, and background check.
• Must be willing to work from Chicago and travel as necessary.

Antares is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Base Salary Range

$130,000 - $150,000