Benefits Manager

NOTE: This position is based out of our headquarters in Franklin, TN and is on-site a minimum of Mon - Thurs, with an optional remote day on Friday.

Who we are:
Fourteen Foods is the largest Dairy Queen franchisee, with nearly 250 restaurants in 13 states, and we’re growing! We are faith-based with a Mission of “Shepherding world-class restaurants that celebrate our commitment to faith, people and community.” Our headquarters is in Franklin, TN and we also have offices in Bloomington, MN and Louisville, KY. Please visit www.fourteenfoods.net to learn more about us.

Position Summary:
The Benefits Manager plans, administers and maintains the company's employee benefits plans and programs, including but not limited to health and welfare plans, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, wellness, PTO, LOA, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, etc. Responsible for reviewing and modifying, communicating and implementing changes to existing programs and new offerings, while ensuring all benefits plans and programs are compliant at all times with applicable legislation governing each respective plan.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively and cross-functionally to benchmark and develop competitive and cost-efficient benefits programs that enhance the organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent. Works closely with Payroll, HRIS, HR, and Finance as needed to manage the Company’s benefits suite efficiently.

The Benefits Manager serves as the organization’s primary benefits advocate, responding timely to all employee inquiries, questions and concerns.

Essential Functions:
Benefits Plans Design and Administration:

• Regularly benchmarks benefits plans and programs against industry norms and recommends needed additions, adjustments or enhancements.
• Develops, implements and maintains necessary procedures and protocols to administer all benefits plans and programs timely, thoroughly, accurately and compliantly, including recurring daily, weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly and annual processes and procedures.
• Ensures all benefits plans, programs, policies, and procedures comply with all applicable legislation, including but not limited to ADA, FMLA, ERISA, FLSA, etc.
• Communicates as needed with third-party service providers (brokers, carriers, auditors, etc.) to ensure benefits plans and programs are managed effectively and efficiently. Ensures contracted services are utilized according to service agreement specifications.
• Takes lead role in planning, preparing, communicating and implementing annual benefits renewal and open enrollment processes.
• Routinely collects data and prepares reports as needed to ensure benefits eligibility, changes and terminations occur timely and accurately, whether manually or through available automation.
• Assists Department Head as needed in performing a variety of administrative tasks, including tracking and payment of invoices, running reports, analyzing data, preparing communications and presentations, etc.

Employee Advocacy:

• Serves as the organization’s primary benefits advocate, responding timely to all employee inquiries, questions and concerns via email, telephone and in-person.
• Escalates issues as needed with carriers and service providers in order to facilitate timely resolution of all issues, grievances and complaints.

Culture Enhancement:

• Meets with new Employees (in-person and virtually) during new employee orientations to explain benefits, eligibility waiting periods, etc.
• Conducts annual open enrollment meetings and Webinars.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience as a benefits manager in a multi-unit, multi-state environment, with extensive hands-on knowledge and experience administering benefits plans and programs described within this job description.
• Relevant certification, such as CEBS or SHRM certification, preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office, including excellent Excel skills.
• Familiar and comfortable with benefits administration technology, including payroll, HRIS and related software platforms.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to effectively transfer information in 1-on-1, small group and large audience settings.
• Highly detail-oriented, with work product featuring high accuracy and minimal error rates.
• Strong organizational skills, with mental agility capacity to multi-task and manage multiple complex projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Fourteen Foods is the largest DQ franchisee in the world. We offer excellent growth and advancement opportunities as well as pay and benefits you’d expect of an iconic national brand. Come join us, we’re the place where memories are made!

Fourteen Foods provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We encourage applicants of all ages and experience, as we do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant's age. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

E-Verify Notice - In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire