Benefits Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 diversified and vertically integrated agribusiness and ocean transportation company, currently has an opening for a Benefits Manager. As the Benefits Manager you will provide guidance and oversight for all Seaboard benefit plans, including evaluating performance and service levels of Seaboard benefits to ensure alignment with company values, market competitiveness and the delivery of high-quality benefit services. This position is in the Merriam, Kansas, office and is eligible for a hybrid work location schedule.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the administration of Seaboard benefit and wellness programs such as medical, dental, vision plans; life insurance plans; temporary disability programs; and wellness programs.
• Manage relationships with brokers and representatives from providers.
• Develop company cost information for new plans and make premium cost share recommendations to management.
• Act as subject matter expert on all laws, regulations, and industry trends impacting employee benefits to proactively ensure benefit programs comply with all legal requirements.
• Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instruct insurance carriers, trustees and other administrative agencies outside the company to effect changes in benefits program. Ensure prompt and accurate compliance.
• Assure company compliance with provisions of ERISA and the Affordable Care Act. Supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies. Review and analyze changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and report necessary or suggested changes to management. Coordinate company benefits with government-sponsored programs.
• Serve as liaison with corporate payroll and finance to ensure smooth administration of programs.
• Assist with the comprehensive analysis of existing processes and related documentation and systems to ensure consistency and accuracy; act as a change agent to make process improvements and work to ensure the integrity of all benefits-related data.
• Conduct research, surveys, internal audits, and data analyses related to employee demographics, utilization patterns, and costs to evaluate the effectiveness of benefit programs; generate regular reports and insights to inform recommendations and decision-making; identify risks and opportunities for enhancement.
• Develop and produce resources, toolkits, employee benefits awareness and education strategies, and related materials; facilitate the successful execution of Seaboard benefit programs, including oversight of the benefits information portal, for local HR.
• Evaluate and compare existing company benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans, surveys and other sources of information. Plan, develop and/or participate in area and industry surveys. Analyze results of surveys and develop specific recommendations for review by management.
• Manage, develop, and mentor the Benefits Specialist position.
• Oversee the annual open enrollment process.
• Effectively manage communication with employees regarding changes in benefits plans including preparing announcement materials, plan summary documents and other media and conducting employee meetings.
• Handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
• Ensure completion of benefit plan audits, compliance reports, notices, statements, the annual census, and other requirements.
• Oversee 401k deferrals, forfeiture accounts, and 401(k) recordkeeper/trustee relationship and outside auditors in administering the 401(k) plans.
• Other responsibilities and initiatives as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum eight years of demonstrated progression in a benefits administration role.
• CEBS or other benefits certification strongly preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Expertise in benefits administration, policy, compliance, and processes.
• In-depth knowledge of current and potential government regulations, filings, and compliance requirements affecting employee benefit programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to further develop and maintain collaborative partnerships across all Seaboard divisions.
• Strong presentation, organization, time management, problem solving and follow-up skills.
• Must be action oriented and hands-on, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and initiatives under pressure and work with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations. Demonstrated ability to understand advanced statistics and statistical analysis for process control. Expertise in Microsoft Excel and ADP HWSE or other benefit systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of union multi-employer plans and/or benefits experience in a union environment is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

DIRECT REPORTS

Benefits Specialist

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Includes a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to manipulate, handle or touch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.