Benefits Manager

Driven by Possibility
 
Gates Corporation is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. At Gates, we are driven to push the boundaries of materials science to engineer products that continually exceed expectations.
 
We don't rest on our rich heritage of innovation. We leverage it to inspire solutions that will power the next hundred years. We invest continually in R&D and technology, so our products not only outperform industry standards; they exceed our customers' demanding expectations. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow. And we are constantly expanding our product catalog and value-added service offerings to support every facet of our customers' operations. In the most extreme environments and those more familiar, Gates is there with the right product, in the right place at the right time. Whether building original equipment or maintaining products in the aftermarket, we enable companies in every industry to be more efficient, productive, and profitable. 
 
We are Gates. 
 
POSITION SUMMARY:
The U.S. Benefits Manager is responsible for the overall administration of Gates Corporation's U.S. health and welfare benefit plans.  This position is an integral part of the Human Resources Department and will apply knowledge and experience to the development of the organization.  Reporting to the Director of America's Compensation and Benefits, this role is responsible for the design, development, implementation, management and ongoing review of the Company's employee benefit plans. U.S. plans include medical, dental, vision, prescription, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, life insurance, disability plans as well as other ancillary benefits. This position requires technical knowledge in the areas of plan design, claims processing and payment of benefits, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA and general benefits compliance.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Designs, develops, implements and manages the Company's U.S. employee benefit programs; medical, dental, vision, prescription, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, life insurance, disability plans as well as other ancillary benefits.  Uses set procedures and identifies opportunities for improvements in efficiency and/or compliance.
• Acts as a liaison with carriers, vendors and consultants on various matters such as plan design, process redesign, contracts, coverage and renewals.
• Reviews program metrics, researches trends and benchmarking data for competitiveness, cost effectiveness and value. Recommends and implements changes to the programs to meet short and long term objectives.
• Monitors vendor performance for quality and cost effectiveness; ensures compliance with contract quality expectations.
• Manages the design and delivery of benefits communication including maintenance of benefits website, new-hire presentations, well-being initiatives and open enrollment.
• Leads negotiations with outside vendors of benefits products and services.  Coordinates with procurement department on key negotiations.
• Oversees the reconciliation and processing of vendor invoices and partners closely with Gates benefits accounting team to reconcile paid claims and other related expenses to the GL.
• Monitor and ensure the legal compliance of the plans, by working with providers, Business Associates, internal and external legal counsel. Manages annual benefits compliance.

 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Functions as a Specialist without direct reports

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's Degree, plus 4-8 years specific experience; advanced education and certification is considered

 
REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• Demonstrated understanding of regulatory environments including ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA and ACA
• Demonstrated business maturity
• Change management exposure
• Experience with program/vendor implementation
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Desire to learn and grow in career
• Effective verbal and written communicator
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Suite and other ERP systems, such as Oracle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
 
Gates Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

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