Benefits Manager

SUMMARY

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, development, administration, and compliance of the company's benefits programs. This includes-but is not limited to-health and welfare plans, retirement plans, disability programs, paid leave, and wellness initiatives. The role supports Pelican's overall HR and business strategy by ensuring competitive, cost-effective, and legally compliant benefits offerings. This position also oversees benefits-related payroll and financial processes, manages relationships with external vendors, and serves as a key liaison across internal departments.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer and manage all aspects of the company's benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending, retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), paid time off, leaves of absence, and wellness initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries from employees, HR, and management.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including plan setup, employee communications, system configurations, meetings, and post-enrollment auditing.
• Oversee and manage all company leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA, PFML, personal leaves, and disability claims, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Collaborate with brokers, carriers, and vendors to evaluate, renew, and negotiate benefit plans and services annually.
• Research and analyze market data to assess and recommend enhancements to benefit offerings in line with industry trends and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain and audit the benefits administration system, ensuring accurate employee enrollments, changes, and terminations for life events and new hires.
• Develop and distribute clear, engaging employee communications regarding benefit options, updates, and educational materials.
• Ensure all benefit plans remain compliant with federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and COBRA.
• Generate regular reports to support benefits analysis, compliance, payroll funding (e.g., 401(k), HSA), and executive decision-making.
• Partner with payroll and finance to coordinate benefit deductions and funding; complete weekly and monthly reporting as required.
• Lead and mentor benefits staff, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Provide project support for HRIS, compensation, or other HR-related initiatives.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and program management.
• Deep understanding of Federal and State regulations, filing and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs

• Proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
• Experience leading projects and/or benefit programs

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees, management, and leadership

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven (7) years of professional benefits experience
• Experience working for a manufacturer
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field or equivalent experience.
• International Benefits are a plus
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
• Fluent in Spanish

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be occasionally required to execute standard physical activities within the facility areas (i.e. stand, walk, sit, use hands/fingers).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be occasionally required to execute non-standard physical activities within the facility areas (i.e. climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch).
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Compensation & Benefits:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets. Base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The annual U.S. pay range for this positionis listed below. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on your qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, 10 paid holidays per year, medical/dental/vision insurance, company-paid life and disability plans, and matching 401k to eligible employees.
Pelican Products, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.