Benefits Manager

Benefits Manager

About PURIS:

PURIS operates across North America as the largest independent trenchless rehabilitation provider with 900+ employees dedicated to building lasting infrastructure with smart, sustainable resource management. The PURIS Family of Companies provide trenchless renewal solutions in the water, wastewater, and stormwater markets. Our environmentally friendly solutions work within the existing infrastructure to save time, minimize environmental impact, and cause fewer community disruptions. With an unrivaled toolbox of technologies, PURIS has the RIGHT solution for each project.

Job Description Summary:

Located in The Woodlands, TX, the Benefits Manager is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker's compensation, life insurance, travel and accident plan, flexible spending plan, retirement plans, etc.). This position provides excellent customer service and designs quality benefits plans in coordination with third-party vendors/administrators. The Benefits Manager continually investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration.

Essential Job Accountabilities:

• Design, recommend and implement new benefits programs. Examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes.
• In collaboration with 3rd party vendors, negotiate with vendors and administrators for best plans, options and rates.
• Serve as primary contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators.
• Coordinate transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration.
• Evaluate and revise internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned benefits processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations. Ensures timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees.
• Coordinate daily benefits processing. Handle enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships and compliance testing.
• Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Allocate group health and dental claims monthly and review quarterly.
• Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience and competitive trends in benefits programs, and identify the company's stance.
• Perform plan audits. Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments. Review data in conjunction with actuarial evaluation task forces.
• Review both short- and long-range cost estimates/projections and relevant statistical analyses regarding modifications in benefits programs and implementation of new programs.
• Survey industry trends. Complete benefits surveys and review information obtained from the results. Analyze complex benefits information. Forecast trends and assist with future benefits designs. Develop specific recommendations for review by management.
• Monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment strategies, including alternative methods for administration and funding. Prepare budgetary recommendations and assist in the monitoring, verifying and reconciling of budgeted funds.
• Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package.
• Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment, and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field.
• 5 - 7 years’ experience in HR and/or benefits administration.
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs and knowledge of benefits contract language.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, OBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Ability to understand, evaluate and make judgment on proposals.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Project and team management/leadership skills and experience.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint; experience with HRIS and benefits databases.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical/Rx, dental, vision, critical illness and accident insurance, and short-term disability.
• Several 100% company-paid benefits including:
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee assistance program
• Bonus program
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Generous PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities

PURIS and our Family of Companies are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.