The Benefits Manager oversees rewards team success including plan design and cost analysis, rewards policy and program development; and develops benefits education programs.  This role manages internal and external communication, enrollment/rewards systems and reporting, and vendor relations. The Benefits Manager demonstrates subject matter expertise, strong strategic and tactical capabilities, drives employee focused education initiatives, and ensures the accuracy of rewards program data and analytics.

• Supervises rewards staff and drives team performance and program initiatives forward
• Implements, integrates, and executes employee health and welfare benefit projects and programs and ensures strong plan performance, accuracy in benefits delivery, regulatory compliance, and cost containment
• Administers current plans and recommends/implements plans changes, policies, and processes
• Participates in and oversees acquisition diligence, benefits comparisons, and benefits enrollment events; communicates and educates on rewards
• Through reporting staff ensures the accuracy of benefits data including employee, payroll, and provider premium reconciliation and billing.
• Oversees compliance functions performed by reporting staff, including external and audit review, manages the regulated aspects of benefits including 5500 processing and non- discrimination testing, 401k, HSA, and FSA management and workers compensation i.e. ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ACA, 5500s, Non-Discrimination testing, interaction with plan auditors), minimum wage, EEO categorization, required notices and FLSA audits
• Drives employee focused education initiatives, material distribution and tools, while ensuring the accuracy of benefit program data
•  Oversees benefits queue and compensation request response timing, department analytics. Creates education around common rewards questions and ensures a positive user experience     
• Serves as a resource to benefits group and colleagues on resolution of more complicated benefit issues, including working with carriers to resolve outstanding issues
• Tracks and monitors all Health and Welfare vendors to ensure accuracy in benefits delivery and strong plan performance, including resolution of claims, billing, and administrative issues
• Measures compensation program effectiveness and equity
• Facilitates benefit communications, selections, renewal, administration, and plan design, along with policy and procedure development, implementation, and interpretation
• Assists with development and delivery of manager, new employee, and new clinic reward training programs, webinars, and other tools/communication methods for delivering education.
• Maintains knowledge of benefit trends & regulations to ensure that new trends/regulations are incorporated in the current and future benefit programs of the Company and to differentiate as an employer of choice.
• Facilitates competitive benefits and rewards benchmarking with affiliated internal and external parties
• Identifies, recommends, and implements process improvements
• Reviews procedures and processes and champions methods for improvement and facilitates implementation
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field and/or requisite experience
• PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, or CBP designation preferred

• 7+ years of previous Human Resources benefits experience with demonstrated success directly supervising staff
• Previous plan compliance and audit experience
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, FMLA, 5500 reporting, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation; State leaves, Pay equity & transparency
• Compensation and leave management experience preferred
• Experience working with multi-states and entities is a plus
• Exceptional oral, written, and presentation communication skills are a must
• Must be able to respond to manager questions in a pleasant, timely, and easy-to-understand manner and demonstrate exceptional customer service skills.  Possesses a strong ability to influence the actions of others. 
• Good multi-tasking and time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Proactive mindset to solve problems and research new ideas and technologies
• Demonstrated strong relationship management skills with internal clients and external clients (e.g. management, peers, colleagues, clinics, vendors); proven ability to develop collaborative approaches
• Ability to identify and recommend processes improvements
• Possesses excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and multi-task while maintaining strict attention to detail
• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion regarding confidential information.
• Finds common ground and can gain collaboration among management, colleagues and peers; can influence outcomes without directing or commanding
• Strong project management skills including, critical ability to coordinate and balance multiple projects in a time-sensitive environment, under pressure, and meeting deadlines

• Must be able to travel as needed. Will visit clinics where sustained standing or sitting may occur. When working remotely or in office must have the ability to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time
• This position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, supplies, and office machinery.
• This position frequently communicates with managers at remote locations in person and via email and phone. Must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations
• Frequent keyboarding/use of computer for data entry
• Occasionally moves equipment and supplies weighing up to 15 pounds
• This position frequently communicates and collaborates with co-workers in the office
• Must be able to occasionally travel domestically via plane and motor vehicle

• Strong proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Adept and experienced in HCM/Payroll system utilization
• Strong financial aptitude, ability to manipulate, review and analyze data

Blue River PetCare is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago. We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary hospitals who are looking to reduce the headaches of business and diversify their asset base while continuing to practice or who are seeking to transition their practice as they consider retirement. We believe strongly in the local franchise and work with our hospitals to strengthen their existing hospital brands and carry on the legacies which have been established.

Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported. All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.

Salary Range: $115,000-$120,000 per year

Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.

Blue River PetCare offers the following benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement plans with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Volunteer Time-off
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
• Childcare discounts with KinderCare
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts
• Hybrid and remote opportunities