HR Benefits Manager

This role is eligible to participate in Zenith's hybrid work schedule which provides the flexibility to work from home on select days of the week according to the in-office schedule established by regional executive leadership. Selected candidate must be able to report into the Woodland Hills, California office on a weekly basis.

A Brief Overview

The Benefits Manager is passionate about delivering highly competitive and high-quality benefit programs that help employees in the moments they need them most, support their overall health and wellbeing, and meet company goals and objectives. Incumbent executes the daily management of all health and welfare plans and programs, with diligence, accountability, innovation, curiosity, empathy, inclusion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in their role.

What you will do

• Manages all day-to-day operational aspects of the Company's employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability, EAP, 401(k), Flex Plan, and any other ancillary benefits programs.
• Manages the daily operations of Company's self-funded medical/vision and dental plans and all other employee benefit plans and responds to employee inquiries, issues, and requests for information in accordance with the applicable plan documents, benefit booklets and Company policies and practices.
• Ensures benefit plans are legally compliant, accurately administered, and effectively communicated.
• Understands the Company's fully-integrated Medical and Wellness program and philosophy, and how the design supports employee health improvement, overall group health plan goals, and the Company's culture of health and wellbeing.
• Responsible for client relationship management of service partners, carriers, and benefits broker ("vendors") to ensure seamless plan operations. As the primary contact, sets expectations and holds vendors accountable for exceptional service and high-quality deliverables. Manages quarterly, semi-annual, and annual vendor meetings with Zenith's Healthcare Strategy Committee, and executive leadership, as applicable. Collaborates with vendors to ensure deliverables are relevant, insightful, consultative, and accurate.
• In collaboration with AVP Benefits and Employee Health Management and benefits consultant, manages benefit plan renewals, including overall cost projections, negotiations, analysis of program cost drivers and effectiveness, plan design changes, employee contribution recommendations, and marketings, when deemed appropriate.
• Responsible for annual Group Health and Flex Plan Open Enrollments, including vendor renewal confirmations, plan amendments, distribution of required plan materials (SMMs, SBCs), and preparing open enrollment communications. Works in collaboration with the AVP, HR Compliance and Benefits Administration to oversee Open Enrollment processes and procedures.
• Works closely with all levels of management to provide ongoing benefits support and serve as a benefits resource for internal partners and in accordance with internal policy and/or law.
• Ensures exceptional customer service to employees by addressing their benefits-related inquiries and concerns promptly and effectively.
• Creates annual benefits communication campaign, leverages vendor resources, and prepares company-wide materials to educate employees about their benefits and related topics. Fosters a culture of employee engagement by actively promoting the value and utilization of programs and resources available. Develops multiple distribution channels for communications, including advancing the use of surveys and social media.
• Maintains current knowledge of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and understands the responsibilities of being a HIPAA Designated Representative for the Company's self-funded group health plans and Wellness Plan.
• Utilizes in-depth knowledge of benefits regulations and best practices to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including ERISA, HIPAA, PPACA, CAA, MHPAEA, and other relevant regulations to maintain compliance and provide guidance. Oversees all benefit plan compliance requirements including the filing of the annual Form 5500s.
• Reviews and approves all legally required benefit plan documents (i.e., SPDs, SMMs, SBCs, Wrap Plan Documents, Plan Amendments, NPPs, etc.) working with legal counsel, as required.
• Stays up to date on legal and regulatory changes affecting benefits, industry trends, benchmark data, benefits marketplace developments and emerging technologies. Proactively offers ideas to continuously enhance Zenith's benefits programs.
• Responsible for managing implementations of selected new benefit plans and programs.
• Applies principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Work productively and harmoniously with others on a consistent basis.
• Respond positively to direction and feedback on performance.
• Consistently maintain professional and appropriate demeanor.
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of training/experience required
• Master's Degree in Human Resources related field preferred

Experience Qualifications

• 10+ years as Employee Benefits Broker / Account Executive or Client Services Manager, or Human Resources Professional in benefits plan management, or equivalent experience required.
• Experience with multiple distribution channels for benefit communications including use of surveys and social media a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• BENEFITS KNOWLEDGE & BENEFITS PLAN MANAGEMENT: Deep subject matter expertise in managing all aspects of self-funded and fully-insured health and welfare plans. Expert level knowledge of benefits-related laws, including, but not limited to: ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, PPACA, CAA, MHPAEA and the roles and duties of a HIPAA Designated Representative. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure seamless operations, accuracy and compliance of benefit plans. Adept at building strong, collaborative, and trustworthy relationships with internal teams and external vendor partners (TPA, PBM, Benefits Broker, EAP, Life/LTD Carrier, etc.).,
• ANALYTICAL SKILLS: Critical thinking and sound judgment with the ability to analyze complex situations, provide detailed, accurate, timely and responsive support.,
• RELATIONSHIP SKILLS: Adept at building strong, collaborative, and trustworthy relationships with internal teams and external vendor partners (TPA, PBM, Benefits Broker, EAP, Life/LTD Carrier, etc.).,
• COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Highly effective communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to explain complex benefits concepts to employees at all levels. Experience preparing company-wide communications that consistently promote the employment value proposition.,
• PROBLEM SOLVING: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to proactively identify issues, recommend solutions and drive process improvements. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.,
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS: Ability to perform under pressure leveraging strong time management skills. Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities. Ability to prioritize multiple projects/deliverables to meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.,
• Demonstrated high level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and MS Teams.,

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or relevant certification preferred

The expected salary range for this position is $148,920.12 to $165,466.80. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. Qualifications may warrant placement in a different job level.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D and Disability Insurance
• 401(k), Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Education and Training Reimbursement
• Paid Leave: 3 weeks/year Vacation, 2 weeks/year Sick Leave
• 10 paid Company Holidays, 2 Personal Days, 2 Floating Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• For more information, review details on the Benefits page of our Career Site: https://www.thezenith.com/careers/benefits/

Zenith typically posts jobs for a minimum of 8 to 14 calendar days. If you are interested in any of our open positions, we encourage you to submit your application promptly.

Zenith Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. In compliance with California law, we are committed to fair hiring practices. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act (AB 1008), we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the law. Additionally, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, we will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional offer of employment has been made.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and need assistance accessing our career center or applying for a position due to your disability, you are entitled to request an accommodation. To make a request, please contact a Human resources representative at Zenith Insurance Company.

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