We are seeking an experienced HR Benefits Lead to own and enhance our employee benefits function while helping build the infrastructure for a scalable, high-performing benefits team. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert for all aspects of benefits administration, ensuring compliance, improving employee experience, and partnering closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership of complex programs, improving existing processes, and creating a best-in-class benefits function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end administration of employee benefits programs across a multi-state workforce spanning more than 30 states.
• Manage all health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefits.
• Own the administration of the company's 401(k) plan, ensuring timely and accurate retirement plan administration, non-discrimination testing, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner closely with payroll to ensure accurate deductions, benefit enrollments, qualifying life events, and reconciliation of benefit data.
• Oversee leave administration, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, long-term disability, and applicable state leave program
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits across multiple jurisdictions.
• Build strong relationships with insurance brokers, retirement plan advisors, and third-party administrators to negotiate plan design, control costs, and improve service levels.
• Analyze benefit utilization, market trends, and employee feedback to recommend enhancements to benefit offerings.
• Translate complex benefit plans into clear, employee-friendly communications that help employees make informed enrollment decisions.
• Develop scalable processes, documentation, and internal controls to support future team growth.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and escalated issues.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR benefits experience with ownership of end-to-end benefits administration.
• Experience supporting a multi-state employee population across 30 or more states.
• Deep knowledge of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefit plans.
• Strong expertise in 401(k) administration, including retirement plan compliance, non-discrimination testing, annual reporting, and vendor management.
• Demonstrated experience administering FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and state leave progra
• Strong understanding of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable benefits regulations.
• Experience partnering closely with payroll to ensure accurate benefit processing and compliance.
• Proven ability to establish and manage strategic relationships with insurance brokers and benefit providers while evaluating plan design and cost-saving opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex benefits information for employees and leadership.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Preferred Background

• Experience stepping into an environment where benefits programs required stabilization and operational improvement.
• Takes ownership of critical programs, particularly the company's 401(k), ensuring every aspect of retirement administration is accurate and compliant rather than simply processing transactions.
• Comfortable bringing structure to under-managed programs and implementing sustainable processes.
• Proven ability to influence brokers and insurance carriers on pricing, plan design, and service expectations.
• Experience building or expanding an internal benefits function and mentoring future team members.