Benefits Manager

About the Position Manages the evaluation, planning, and day-to-day administration of a broad portfolio of health and welfare plans, encompassing numerous complex plan design variations for collectively bargained benefits. Oversees plan set-up, payment remittance, and deduction reporting in accordance with union contracts and business development agreements. Serves as the primary liaison with the third-party administrator, including monitoring service delivery and performance. Supports oversight of third-party vendors to ensure plans are administered efficiently and remain compliant with applicable state and federal requirements. Ensures compliance with ERISA and with regulatory agencies, including the DOL, IRS, National Labor Relations Board, and others. Coordinates with internal and external auditors and is responsible for Form 5500 filings and other required disclosures. Major Responsibilities People Leadership & Team Development Provides day-to-day supervision and direction to the team, including workload management and performance standards. Develops staff to take on new challenges and implement more efficient processes. Provides coaching, feedback, and supports continuous improvement and change initiatives. Benefits Administration & Operational Oversight Oversees benefits administration and issue escalation/resolution. Identifies, analyzes, and addresses trends and operational impacts to prevent recurrence. Coordinates planning, implementation, and ongoing administration of health and welfare programs. Vendor, Union & Stakeholder Management Partners with union representatives, third‑party vendors, and internal business partners to resolve issues and improve outcomes. Collaborates with vendors, consultants, actuaries, and internal teams (payroll, compensation, retirement, HR, labor relations). Participates in Benefits Governance Committee meetings as a non‑voting member. Enrollment & Program Execution Provides oversight and guidance for the annual health and welfare enrollment process. Coordinates with external administrators and internal stakeholders to meet business needs. Strategy, Policy & Program Development Contributes to the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and objectives. Leads projects and programs supporting short‑ and long‑term company goals. Compliance & Regulatory Management Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, and ACA. Interprets and administers benefit provisions of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Maintains adherence to corporate and departmental policies and procedures. Employee Advocacy & Issue Resolution Responds to and resolves employee inquiries and concerns. Reviews, approves, or denies benefit exception requests. Manages the employee benefits appeals process in conjunction with the Sr. Director. Reporting, Audits & Financial Oversight Facilitates preparation and submission of reports and governmental filings (e.g., Form 5500). Manages external, internal, and union audits, including non‑discrimination testing. Supports benefits budget preparation and oversight. Reviews vendor invoices for accuracy and ensures timely payment. Additional Responsibilities Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education & Certifications Required Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent work experience Minimum Experience & Skills Required 5 or more years of experience in employee benefits management and administration with solid understanding of compliance requirements of various government agencies, and federal and state laws. 3 or more years of supervisory or management experience with proven ability to lead and manage a team of in-person and remote team members. Prior experience with a highly unionized workforce preferred, including the ability to interpret health and welfare provisions outlined in Collective Bargaining Agreements. Demonstrated experience in identifying and implementing significant process and system changes, including system updates and experience maintaining administration applications and interfacing with Human Resource Information and Payroll Systems. Proven ability to drive performance and implement processes to ensure efficiency. Strong analytical and project management skills, attention to detail with an emphasis on quality control of data. Proven ability to clearly and effectively communicate in person and in writing to all levels of organization and external customers. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Incumbent must be able to move about the office and between floors; utilize standard office equipment; access filing system/cabinets; and communicate effectively and efficiently in person or by telephone. Candidates located in the Cincinnati area must be able to work in person at the downtown Cincinnati office two days per week and every other Friday. Disclaimer Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. First for a Reason Benefits We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation. Professional Advancement Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 3 to 5 month Manager-In-Development program prepares future leaders at First Student. Extensive Training Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency. Diversity & Inclusion Because we’re stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day. Community Service & Impact Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others. Apply today and get your career on the road with First Student! First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf .