Consultant, Benefits Planning Job in Columbus 43215, Ohio Us

Consultant, Benefits Planning

**Addendum**

In addition to the job description, key knowledge/skills/abilities critical for the Consultant, Benefits Planning are:

1. Proven ability to build relationships and work across various HR functions, as well as influence without authority;

2. Proven ability to work seamlessly with various third-party administrators, providers and consultants;

3. Proven success as a project manager in completing conversions and implementations, guiding matrix teams in various functional areas including both internal and external team members;

4. Capability to work with various fiduciary committees as needed in a staff support role;

5. Proven knowledge and ability to work with all types of benefits in both health and welfare and retirement (both 401(k) and defined benefit), as well as voluntary benefits;

6. Current certification as either a Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) and/or a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is desirable.

JOB SUMMARY: Leads in the design, development and implementation of benefit plans, policies and programs, both qualified and non-qualified. Leads significant project implementations as they relate to comprehensive benefit plan and delivery changes. Provides strategic consultation to management about changes or new approaches to address benefits and human resource issues.

Reporting Relationships:
Reports to Director, Benefits Planning; typically no direct reports but leads project or virtual teams.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Develops and implements a wide range benefits plans, programs and practices. Develops and recommends new and/or improved associate benefit plans and cost-savings measures to management. Leads in the development and coordination of communications plans with the Office of Corporate Communications to ensure timely and accurate communications of benefit plan changes.
2. Researches and benchmarks, analyzes, and develops modifications to benefits programs to meet identified objectives and needs for the organizations. Area of research includes: accident and health insurance, retirement and pension plans, income continuance, holidays and vacation, tax-qualified, non-qualified/executive, welfare, payroll-based, statutory associate or independent contractor, and other benefits programs as they are legislated and/or developed.
3. Selects, negotiates and manages all relations with vendors and suppliers of benefit related services.
4. Leads the evaluation of equity in current benefits compared to competitive trends and legislated requirements. Provides strategic consultant and recommendations for change or enhancements to benefit offerings to management. Evaluates alternatives and costs to benefit programs, and recommends additions and/or changes to the benefits package to optimize costs and impact.
5. Designs and develops tools, models, programs and procedures to meet identified business needs aligned to a total rewards strategy, and that will monitor and reduce costs and improve the delivery of benefit plans.
6. Provides information and services to all levels of management regarding various benefit plans to assist them in their responsibilities involving their oversight of the plans.
7. Serves as fourth tier in the escalation process for the benefits plan design and administration interpretation. Interprets plan provisions, identifies gaps and other issues in plan documents and anticipates future issues from administration and processing.
8. Maintains awareness of and analyzes the general conditions and trends pertaining to associate benefit plans and related legislation/programs/practices, both within and outside the insurance industry by maintains contacts with counterparts in other companies, attending conferences, etc.
9. Represents the Benefits Planning functions on task forces and committees as assigned. Facilitates and leads a cross functional team in the design, documentation and implementation of complex benefit plans and programs.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:
Undergraduate studies in business administration, economics, finance or human resources. Graduate studies preferred.
Designations
Progress towards related certifications (CEBS, CBP, CLU, FLMI) highly desirable.
Experience:
Typically eight or more years related experience in benefits planning. Must have experience in administrative, planning, financial and project management functions.
Knowledge:
Proven knowledge benefits planning, ERISA, project management concepts and techniques, performance management and team development. Must have demonstrated knowledge in benefits theory, regulations and practices.
Skills/ Competencies:
Must be able to conceptualize a business problem, define relevant issues, facilitate the determination of a methodology for resolving the problem, define alternatives and develop recommendations and solutions. Demonstrated project management and process improvement skills. Must have well-developed verbal and written communication skills for interaction with all levels of associates including top management, external management, and third-party providers. Must possess strong financial data analysis skills. Must be able to act as a facilitator for project teams or work groups. Must have strong negotiation skills.

Staffing Exceptions to the above Minimum Job Requirements must be approved by the:
AVP Benefits Planning and Human Resources.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Overtime eligibility:
Not eligible (exempt)
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment. Occasional travel. Non-standard or extended hours based on project needs.
ADA:
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
Credit Check:
Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.