Benefits Manager

Summary

Join Cerebral's People team as a fully remote Benefits Manager, leading the strategy, execution, and improvement of employee benefits and leave programs. You will manage day-to-day operations, vendor relationships, compliance, and employee engagement. Success requires a proactive, solution-focused approach and strong cross-functional collaboration. This role is key to shaping the employee experience while ensuring operational excellence and compliance. You will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of health, wellness, and retirement benefit programs, overseeing day-to-day administration, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. You will also partner with various teams and external vendors to deliver seamless operations and develop effective employee communication strategies.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, with emphasis on health & wellness, 401(k), and LOA programs
• Proven ability to manage day-to-day operations, including vendor relationships, compliance, and employee engagement
• Deep knowledge of benefits and leave-related compliance (ACA, FMLA, ADA, NDT, 401(k) audits, and Form 5500)
• Strong analytical and project management skills; capable of prioritizing and delivering across multiple initiatives
• Clear, confident communicator able to explain complex benefit topics to diverse audiences
• Experience integrating vendor platforms and coordinating with payroll systems
• Data-driven decision-maker with strong problem-solving abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and implementation of health, wellness, and retirement benefit programs
• Drive annual renewals and vendor RFPs, analyzing proposed changes for cost and business impact
• Conduct audits, surveys, and analysis on demographics, utilization, and program effectiveness to inform decisions
• Oversee day-to-day administration of benefits programs, including enrollment, vendor management, employee inquiries and regulatory compliance
• Manage LOA programs (FMLA, statutory leave), coordinating with payroll for accurate tracking and pay continuity
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, and HIPAA
• Partner with HR, payroll, finance, and external vendors to deliver seamless benefits and LOA operations
• Lead retirement plan administration and coordinate 401(k) audits and NDT testing
• Develop and deliver benefits education strategies for new hires, open enrollment, and year-round engagement
• Create clear, accessible employee communications that empower informed decision-making
• Identify key metrics and outcomes to measure program success; report insights to senior leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience driving process improvements in LOA programs
• Skilled in managing benefits for variable-hour employees
• Proficient in HRIS platforms (UKG/UltiPro preferred) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Professional certifications (CEBS, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or similar)