Benefits Manager – Portland, ME

Benefits Manager – Portland, ME
Pierce Atwood is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager. The successful applicant will have demonstrated knowledge and experience that includes health and welfare benefits, retirement plan administration, leave administration, HRIS, and compliance.

This is a hands-on role and functions as a consultative business partner to leadership, management, staff, and external partners. The Benefits Manager is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the firm’s benefits programs and works closely with the HR Director and Payroll/Finance Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design and lead Open Enrollment: selection of plans, cost management, including administration, data accuracy of benefit information, event planning, and communications.
Develop and deliver educational materials, presentations, and communication strategies to enhance employees' understanding of benefits offerings and encourage participation.
Onboard and consult with employees regarding eligibility for benefits in accordance with firm guidelines. Respond to inquiries, troubleshoot benefit issues, and resolve conflicts.
Oversee workers' compensation and unemployment processes.
Oversee Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account administration.
Manage the accuracy and consistency of all benefits materials including benefit plan documents, SPDs, Benefits Guides and all associated materials.
Oversee 401(k) retirement plan administration, including scheduling and attending quarterly investment committee meetings, communications, and compliance.
Manage the firm’s leave programs and administration.
Manage the firm’s COBRA vendor.
Ensure compliance with all programs including auditing enrollment, payroll deductions, leave administration, reporting, etc.
Ensure that benefit plan documentation, contracts, and amendments follow federal, state, and local requirements including compliance with all government regulations, including ERISA reporting and disclosure requirements, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, FLSA, IRS, DOL, Health Care Reform, non-discrimination testing, transparency, and mental health parity regulations.
Collaborate with the firm’s benefits vendors and payroll for implementation, design, and maintenance of benefits administration within the HRIS system.
Understand benefits contracts and work with vendors on agreement/renewal negotiations and terms.
Reconcile and pay monthly benefit invoices.
REQUIREMENTS

5+ years of benefits experience ideally in a professional service organization.
Bachelor’s degree.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements that apply to benefit programs (ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, Section 125).
Strong knowledge of benefit plans, including HSA, FSA, 401k, medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, and ADD/Life.
Ability to use discretion and sound judgment in managing complex processes, decisions, and handling sensitive information.
Flexible and proactive problem solver adept at achieving results in a team oriented and collaborative environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
Comfortable working hands-on to get things done and to quickly shift to complex strategy discussions.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Strong analytical skills - the ability to synthesize data and develop insights.
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Knowledge of leave management/leave compliance: short- and long-term disability, FLMA, workers’ compensation, paid sick leave, and state family & medical leaves.
Knowledge of defined contribution retirement plan administration.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Heather Higgins at [email protected].