Benefits Manager - 34942

Company Overview:

The Harvard Companies include entities working to serve the business community in the janitorial and protection services areas. Harvard Maintenance and Harvard Protection are two of the largest and fastest growing, privately owned providers of high quality janitorial and security services in the United States. We are an industry leader and are well known for our innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. Our success over the last fifty years stems from Harvard's Inverted Pyramid, which recognizes that our front-line employees are the most important people in our organization. The Inverted Pyramid ensures that our employees feel valued, are given the tools to be successful, and are empowered to execute in their roles. People are also at the center of our Core Values. Our People First core value clearly states that "we are a family organization that promotes respect and embraces diversity".

Job Summary:

The Benefits Manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employee benefit programs that align with Harvard's business goals, financial objectives, and talent strategy. This role requires balancing employees' well-being with cost effectiveness, ensuring benefits deliver measurable value to both employees and the organization.

Program Administration:

Manage all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, FSA, EAP, 401(k), and additional offerings.
• Manage the relationship with the benefits administration vendor to ensure service delivery meets contractual obligations and established SLAs.
• Oversee the benefits administration vendor to ensure day-to-day activities-including enrollment, qualifying life events, and medical support notices-are processed accurately and in compliance.
• Review reconciled monthly invoices and weekly payroll deductions to ensure accuracy, and any discrepancies are resolved.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations (PPACA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, etc.).
• Prepare and file required forms and reports with IRS, DOL, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory bodies.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes; develop action plans in collaboration with HR leadership.

Strategy & Process Improvement:

• Partner with brokers, carriers, and vendors to design cost-effective, high-value programs.
• Partner with Senior HR Leadership and Finance to evaluate the ROI for benefit offerings.
• Provide Benchmark details to ensure competitiveness and sustainability.
• Lead annual benefits planning, renewal negotiations, and open enrollment.
• Streamline and automate benefits administration procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with HRIS and TPA teams to ensure accurate data flow across systems.

Employee Experience & Communication:

• Develop and execute benefits communication strategies in partnership with HR leadership and brokers.
• Introduce innovative programs that drive engagement and retention.
• Educate HR business partners, managers, and employees on benefits programs and processes.
• Handle escalations to ensure timely, fair, and empathetic resolution.

Analytics & Governance:

• Deliver benefits reporting and analytics to support decision-making.
• Provide data and guidance to sales and pricing teams as needed.
• Support the SVP, HR Operations, in administering the Benefits Committee.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in benefits administration.
• Strong Financial acumen in managing large budgets and analyzing cost impact.
• Strong HRIS expertise; experience integrating HRIS with benefits platforms.
• Advanced MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, as well as presentation skills.

Harvard is offering a competitive salary structure including benefit package with medical, dental, life, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance along with 401K Savings Plan.

An Equal Opportunity Employer --- M/F/D/V

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