Duquesne Light Company Hiring for Manager, Benefits at Pittsburgh, PA  Full Time

Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!

Position Summary:

The Manager, Benefits position combines both strategic and operational objectives with the ability to lead projects from conception to implementation. This position will report to the General Manager, HR Operations and will primarily lead the benefits team (health and welfare, retirement programs, and wellness offerings). This role will routinely conduct RFPs in conjunction with Procurement, initiate internal audits, evaluate strategic projects, and work with Finance/Accounting to perform budget reconciliation/forecasting and return on investment analysis. This role will also provide subject matter expertise during union negotiations, partner with legal services and vendors to write plan documents for benefits programs, and develop communications for diverse audiences.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategically manage all benefits administration processes and programs to ensure optimal employee experience and engagement.
• Manage vendors/partners, program changes, vendor contracts, compliance requirements and routine reconciliation audits to ensure program offerings and delivery meets the needs of the organization.
• Manage communication, education, and execution of benefits policies and offerings including attending new hire orientation, acting as first point of escalation for benefits issues and questions, and leading change management initiatives.
• Administer and ensure compliance of pension plans, maintaining accurate records and timely disbursements.
• Collaborate with vendors to manage investments, conduct audits, and provide employee support for pension-related matters.
• Proactively identify gaps or dependencies in processes and partner with cross-functional business partners to make recommendations for improvements and enable efficient benefits delivery, including a strong relationship with the Labor Relations, Payroll, and Compensation teams.
• Manage the successful delivery of benefits enrollments (i.e., Annual Open Enrollment, new hire enrollment, retiree life-status changes, etc.).
• Ensure compliance within benefits programs and practices (HIPAA, ERISA, Define Benefit Pension Plan, 401(k), etc.). Maintain current knowledge of US benefits compliance and regulation, in partnership with internal and external legal services and consulting resources.
• Administer programmatic activities focused on mental health within the wellness framework, ensuring effective implementation and support for employees’ mental well-being.
• Participate in union contract negotiations process and support the implementation of any newly negotiated benefit plan changes, HR initiatives, and support for HRIS updates.
• Partner and collaborate with HR team members, employee resource groups and employees to understand evolving employee needs in creating diverse and inclusive benefits.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and provide recommendations for key benefit design changes or implementations.
• Develop and manage department budget for health and welfare, retirement plans and wellness offerings.
• Develop and deliver teammate training (including employees, managers, and HR Partners) to inform on best practices as well as appropriate process and procedures.
• Work on special projects as required, including, but not limited to, acquisitions, benefit program additions or changes, etc.
• Responsible for leading the negotiation and resultant set-up of new benefits.
• Responsible for leading staff members for accurate and timely processing of bills related to benefits in partnership with appropriate finance team groups.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources or another related field.
• 7+ (seven or more)- years of experience with US benefits program(s) experience required.
  • Experience in complex regulated business or industrial company strongly preferred.
  • Previous leadership experience preferred.
  • Related experience and/or education may also be considered.
• Certified Benefits Professional, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), HRCI: Benefits, or additional HR certifications preferred.

Skills and Abilities Utilized in this Role Include:

• Knowledge of benefits leadership and administration in a US based organization.
• In depth expertise of US benefits analysis, design, development, and administration.
• Previous supervisory experience desired as this position directly supervises employees and influences leaders and partners within the organization.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, reactive and strategic problem- solving skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, planning and organization skills.
• High proficiency of computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and adjusting to changing priorities and unexpected situations.

Must possess a positive attitude and strong values that fit with the Company’s core values:

• Energized to shape the future;
• Bold in thinking and exploration of new possibilities;
• Collaborative in approaching all challenges;
• Responsible in commitment to safety, management of assets and finances and interaction with colleagues, business clients and other stakeholders;
• Selfless in serving the community, both on the job and through volunteerism.

Other Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
• Ability to travel throughout Western Pennsylvania Service Territory as needed.

Scope

Primary focus is on day-to-day management of operational execution also develops and exercises business plans, policies, and procedures. Contributes to proactive planning exercises of management team as requested. Trains and develops staff. Plans the workflow. Looks for areas of process improvement and directs available resources to accomplish this. Leads changes and implementations for direct team as pushed down through the organization.

Decision Impact

Resolves problems of a greater complexity than the Supervisor level. Improves existing processes & systems using conceptualizing, reasoning, & interpretation skills. Solutions require through understanding of business strategies and issues. Defines broad based solutions that would require consideration of wider implications on organization results & resources.

Hybrid Work

Position follows our hybrid work model, with a minimum of two days working in the office and the remaining days working remotely. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role and department needs.

Storm Roles

All Non-Union Employees will serve in storm roles as appropriate to their role and skillset. Please be sure to discuss storm roles with the hiring manager for this position, as duties can vary across the Company.Examples of storm roles could include but aren’t limited to duties such as: working with operations for service center support or with the communications, customer service or government affairs teams to respond to public and customer requests for information, etc.

Data Governance

Utilize data to make business decisions as appropriate for the position, support data stewardship activities and partner with IT on underlying data needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings’ commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at [email protected] and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.