HR Benefits Manager

The Benefits Manager will be responsible for administer the company provided benefit plans and will work closely with the HR team to provide administrative support nationally by coordinating on-boarding and off-boarding processes and procedures and training needs. There will be an opportunity to contribute to global initiatives.  Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Primary point of contact for benefit administration including, enrollment, questions, invoice reconciliation, and providing plan updates.
• Manages the administration of all benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, health savings account, special benefits programs and 401(k) retirement plan and coordinates quarterly meetings and accuracy of materials.
• Partners with Corporate Controller to monitor the costs of benefit programs and recommend efficiencies and alternatives.  Oversees the tracking and reconciliation of applicable benefit costs and other related expenses; creates & maintains purchase requisitions relative to all benefits and related fringe costs.
• Handles enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
• Ensures all benefit plan documents and summaries are current and available to plan participants.
• Provides recommendations for new benefits to offer, benefit offering changes, new vendors etc.
• Assists in the coordination and implementation of the Community Outreach Program and Wellness Program.
• Manages a team of benefit administrators including training and verifying work.
• Responsible for related onboarding process including prepare, compile and complete new hire paperwork in preparation for Orientation; validates and processes I-9 verifications through E-Verify; make ID badge; design and distribute Benefits presentation in new employee orientation.
• Responsible for applicable benefits-related vendor management to ensure benefits procedures, processes, and programs are effectively administered and all providers deliver quality service & accurate information.
• Updates and maintains relevant benefit information on company intranet site (Paychex)
• Oversees benefits enrollment, invoice accuracy, reconciliations, and premium collections for monthly payments working closely with corporate finance team.
• Coordinates with external insurance carriers/vendors, and internal departments such as payroll and others to facilitate eligibility, reporting, and payment requirements.
• Assists the with day-to-day operations of the department which may include fielding employee questions or concerns, ordering supplies, ensuring filing is kept up-to-date, and maintaining departmental spreadsheets, contact lists and the training database.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Organizational Relationships

Direct Reports:

Benefits Coordinator/Assistant

This position is directly responsible for the delegation of tasks and daily work production through a Team Lead role.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience:

·        Minimum 5-8 year of experience as a benefits administrator including experience managing a team; additional Human Resources experience a plus

Education:

·        Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

·        Knowledge of Human Resources information systems and databases, preferably a relational database

·        Proficient in MS Office products; excellent Excel skills

·        Highly motivated, results driven and able to work independently as well as with the team

·        Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities within the department

·        High commitment to customer service to internal and external clients

·        Possess a high level of integrity; must always show good judgment and the strictest confidentiality

·        Show high level of professionalism within the workplace

·        Ability to analyze and solve problems

·        Ability to manage time efficiently and effectively

·        Clear and effective oral presentation of ideas/recommendations and effective written communication, using tact and courtesy

·        Ability to interact with employees at all levels of the organization as well as external contacts

·        High attention to detail

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few..