Benefits Manager
Req #2295
United States
Job Description
Savvas Learning Company is a global education company that produces award-winning learning solutions that empower educators and engage students with the highest quality content.
Recognized as an industry leader, we serve millions of K-12 learners with innovative, student-centered educational programs that turn today’s classrooms into active learning environments. By embracing technology, personalized learning, and immersive experiences delivered across multiple platforms, we design our learning solutions to be more accessible and relevant to each student.
Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry’s most innovative portfolio of college and career readiness solutions - all designed to meet the needs of every learner.
Savvas Learning Company is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented Manager of Benefits to lead our benefits administration. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Total Rewards, you will play a pivotal role on our HR team, supporting approximately 1,600 employees across various locations in the United States and Canada.
This is a high-visibility role that requires strong partnership with key internal stakeholders, including executive leadership, to align our benefits strategy with organizational goals. You will oversee the day-to-day administration of our comprehensive benefits programs, ensure strict compliance, and act as a trusted resource for both employees and corporate leaders. Occasional travel may be required to support onsite employee meetings, open enrollment events, or corporate initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Benefits Program Administration & Strategy
- End-to-End Management: Oversee all employee benefit programs, including health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, temporary disability, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and wellness initiatives.
- Executive & Stakeholder Partnership: Collaborate with key stakeholders and executive leadership to present benefits data, propose plan design changes, and ensure offerings support the company's talent retention and fiscal goals.
- Open Enrollment & Communication: Design, execute, and lead comprehensive benefit communication strategies for 1,700 employees. Facilitate educational meetings, coordinate annual enrollment, and counsel employees and management on plan design.
- Vendor & Billing Management: Reconcile, track, and audit health and welfare benefit payments to ensure accuracy and establish robust documentation standards. Monitor external vendor performance against SLAs (Service Level Agreements).
Retirement Plan Oversight (401k):
- Plan Administration: Act as the primary Plan Administrator for the 401k program, managing contribution calculations, new comparability design, and ongoing reporting/filing requirements.
- Compliance & Audit: Drive mandatory compliance testing, annual additions, maximum deductible contribution determinations, and top-heavy testing.
HRIS Data Integrity & Auditing:
- Data Auditing: Audit and validate the accuracy of enrollments, status changes, and benefits data flowing through the HRIS (Ceridian/Dayforce).
- Discrepancy Resolution: Partner with payroll and external vendors to quickly and independently resolve data errors or transmission issues.
Leave of Absence & Compliance:
- Leave Management: Oversee and review federal, state, and provincial leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, parental, and military leave.
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintain rigorous compliance with all governmental regulations related to labor laws and benefit programs (including ERISA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, and Canadian equivalents).
Employee Advocacy & Mentorship:
- HR Team Support: Educate, mentor, and guide HR colleagues to build their foundational knowledge of company benefits plans.
- Complex Case Management: Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation pathway for complex benefits, disability, and FMLA inquiries.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a closely related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration and management.
- Technical Systems: Extensive, high-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) and experience with a major HRIS (experience with Dayforce is highly preferred).
- Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of US federal and state regulations governing health/welfare benefits and 401k plans (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA).
- Certification: CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or CBP (Certified Benefits Professional) designation is a strong plus.
- Geographic Scope: Experience managing benefits in Canada or a multi-national environment is a strong plus. Willingness and ability to travel occasionally as required by business needs.
- Executive Presence & Collaboration: Ability to confidently interface with, influence, and present to executive leadership and senior stakeholders.
- Analytical & Critical Thinking: A natural "fact-finder" who can analyze complex benefit datasets, spot trends, utilize metrics to measure plan effectiveness, and drive data-backed solutions.
- Organization & Drive: Exceptionally organized, deadline-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple shifting priorities and workstreams simultaneously.
- Diplomacy & Tact: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex benefits information directly, clearly, and empathetically to diverse workforces.
- Autonomy & Proactivity: Self-directed problem-solver who can work independently, anticipate plan or compliance issues before they arise, and keep key stakeholders aligned.
- Vendor & Relationship Management: Proven ability to effectively partner with, negotiate with, and hold third-party administrators, brokers, and carriers accountable.
- Change Management: Ability to smoothly navigate plan transitions, policy updates, and process improvements with minimal disruption to employee experience.
ABOUT SAVVAS
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to creating a work environment that promotes their growth, well-being, and success. We develop learning solutions that empower educators and improve student outcomes thanks to our team's passion, creativity, and dedication.
TOTAL REWARDS
At Savvas, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We invest in our employees with a rewards package that combines compensation, exceptional benefits and wellness programs in addition to opportunities for professional growth. This role may also be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation. The posted hiring range reflects our good faith estimate at the time of posting and remains subject to modification. Compensation is determined by factors such as but not limited to skills, experience, budget, and internal equity.
Hiring Range: $111,500 - $135,000
Starting on Day One we are committed to the health, well-being, and development of our employees. As a Savvas employee, you are eligible to participate in benefits that put you first. Our benefits include a wide range of offerings including but not limited to the following:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Time to Recharge: Vacation time and 10 paid holidays.
- Time to Recover: Sick time and leave programs.
- Financial Wellness: Employees can start securing their financial future without any delay with a 401(k) match and immediate vesting.
- Wellness Programs: We recognize the importance of emotional and mental well-being, both in our work environment and in our personal lives. We are committed to providing resources and support to promote overall well-being and a healthy work-life balance.
- Extra Perks: Discounted gym memberships, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, volunteer opportunities, and much more!
Savvas benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms.
Learn About our Benefits Savvas Learning Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Savvas Learning complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Savvas prohibits discrimination against individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, and other protected group status. We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.
Savvas Learning Company is an affirmative action employer and participates in
E-Verify. Know Your Rights.
Job Details
Job Family
AIP Eligible
Pay Type
Salary
Hiring Min Rate
111,500 USD
Hiring Max Rate
135,000 USD