Benefits Manager

About the role

The Benefits Manager is a key member of the Culture + People team and is responsible for administering and supporting the company's employee benefits programs. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees and leaders, providing guidance across health and welfare plans, disability programs, retirement-related processes, leave administration, and year-round benefits education. The Benefits Manager plays a lead role in annual open enrollment, vendor coordination, compliance support, employee issue resolution, and benefits communications.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day benefits operations, including enrollments, eligibility, plan changes, vendor issue resolution, and employee support for medical, dental, vision, life and disability, supplemental benefits, retirement programs, leave programs, and wellness initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for employees, managers, and HR partners on benefit plans, policies, and processes.
• Lead annual open enrollment planning and execution, including project management, testing, communications, presentations, and post-enrollment follow-up.
• Support administration of the 401(k) plan, including plan operations, audits, reconciliations, and coordination of Form 5500 filing activities.
• Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions, funding, reconciliations, invoice review, and reporting.
• Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, trustees, recordkeepers, TPAs, and other benefits vendors; monitor service levels and escalate issues as needed.
• Coordinate benefit compliance activities, which may include audits, required notices, plan documentation, ACA-related administration, participant disclosures, and responses to carrier or regulatory requests.
• Support leave and disability administration in partnership with internal stakeholders and external administrators.
• Review benefits processes and reporting to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improved efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.
• Prepare regular reporting and analysis related to plan activity, participation, utilization, and vendor performance for leadership review.
• Assist with implementation of new programs, plan changes, and vendor transitions.
• Maintain confidential employee and plan information with a high degree of discretion and professionalism.
• Develop and deliver clear, effective employee communications and education materials throughout the year.
• Support additional Total Rewards projects and other duties as assigned based on business needs.
• About You
• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressive benefits experience, including administration of health and welfare and retirement programs required. Experience in Total Rewards or Compensation is a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of employee benefits programs, leave administration, vendor management, and employee support practices.
• Experience supporting benefits vendors, employee inquiries, and operational processes with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving skills and a proactive, resourceful, "can-do" attitude.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort with HR systems, reporting tools, and general computer applications; Workday experience preferred.
• CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP, or related benefits / HR certification is a plus.
• Benefits Built for You
• Competitive 401k plan
• Generous PTO policy
• Premium medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits for unexpected life events
• Student loan assistance and stipends to assist with lifelong learning
• About Howard Hughes Communities
• Howard Hughes Communities develops, owns, and operates the nation's premier large-scale master planned communities and mixed-use developments. Our award-winning portfolio includes The Woodlands®, Bridgeland®, and The Woodlands Hills® in Greater Houston; Summerl

Additional Information

Dedicated to innovative placemaking, Howard Hughes Communities is the real estate platform of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) and is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. Building on that foundation, we foster a culture of curiosity that empowers every employee to shape their own story within our organization.

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