Manager, US Benefits

Overview

As the US Benefits Manager at Crocs, Inc., you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits programs for our US workforce. You will play a key role in ensuring that our benefits offerings are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and align with the company's overall objectives.  You will be responsible for vendor management, renewal strategies, processes, policies, and all other matters related to US employee benefit programs and will provide subject matter expertise to HR Business Partners for all benefit-related inquiries. 

What You'll Do

• Develop and administer comprehensive benefits plans, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other employee benefits.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices to ensure the company's benefits programs remain competitive and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as HR, finance, and legal teams, to ensure seamless administration and communication of benefits programs. 
• Manage relationships with benefit vendors, brokers, and consultants to negotiate contracts and resolve issues as needed. 
• Conduct regular audits and analyses of benefits data to monitor program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert on benefits-related matters and provide guidance to employees on benefit options and enrollment processes. 
• Oversee the communication and education of benefits programs to employees, including new hire orientation and open enrollment sessions.
• Lead and manage a variety of annual projects including, but not limited to, annual enrollment, ACA statements and filings, 5500 filings, Medicare Part D filings, non-discrimination testing, retirement plan and financial audits, miscellaneous governmental filings, and other projects as assigned; ensure accurate and timely completion of all projects.
• Perform utilization and costing analysis to understand the efficacy, desirability, and accessibility of employee benefit programs; recommend new programs, changes to programs, or cessation of programs and implement as approved.
• Work collaboratively with HR and key partners to continuously evaluate and modify benefit programs and operational processes to ensure that benefit programs are meeting employee needs and that operational processes are accurate and efficient; ensure effective communication between Total Rewards and HR management on key issues affecting employees.
• Oversee all systems and files used in the administration of employee benefit programs; includes maintaining data integrity, ensuring successful data exchange, evaluating user experience, requesting, or delivering enhancements, recommending system changes, and participating in implementations.
• Respond to a variety of employee inquiries and identify opportunities to minimize employee issues through efficient eligibility operations, timely and effective communication strategies, and beneficial vendor partnerships or solutions.
• Lead, mentor, and engage a small team of benefits analysts/administrators.

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What You'll Bring to the Table

• BS or BA Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field – or equivalent years of relevant and related experience.
• Minimum 7 years of benefits-related experience preferably within retail or similar industry with a large US workforce.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience, and 2 years leading benefits strategy and renewals.
• In-depth knowledge of US benefit laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other relevant legislation. 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-oriented approach. 
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) designation is a plus.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive initiatives to completion within established timelines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing scalable and efficient benefits solutions tailored to diverse employee populations.
• Self-starter with a strategic mindset, strong analytical capabilities, and exceptional communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.  
• Ability to prioritize, manage and meet deadlines. 
• Effectively manage time and operate with sense of urgency.
• Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions.
• Copes effectively with complexity and change.