Synovus Financial Corp Hiring for Benefits Senior Manager at Columbus, GA  Full Time

Directs the design, development, implementation, communication and administration of Health and Welfare, Wealth Building, and Work-Life Programs. Functions as a subject matter expert, technical resource, facilitator, and leader in the overall administration of the company’s diverse benefits programs. Leads strategic department projects working directly with key stakeholders. Ensures the effective and efficient administration of all benefits-related programs in accordance with company and regulatory guidelines. Manages and oversees the daily administration of the Benefits Department.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as a consulting partner and subject matter expert, collaborating with Human Resources and company executive, legal and management teams to design, develop, implement, communicate and administer the Company’s diverse Benefits and Work-Life programs in support of total rewards initiatives designed to attract, motivate and retain top talent.
• Evaluates trends in benefit and work-life programs, considers optimization opportunities and develops recommendations for leadership on potential enhancements.
• Leads projects to design, develop, communicate and administer the company’s Health and Welfare Programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD), short-term disability (STD), flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement plan, supplemental coverages, and adoption.
• Leads projects to design, develop, communicate and administer the company’s Wealth Building programs, including 401k, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Profit Sharing, Money Purchase Pension Plan, and deferred compensation plans.
• Manages the efficient and effective facilitation of day-to-day benefits administration, ensuring that inquiries and complaints are brought to resolution in a prompt and courteous manner. Provides advice and counsel to benefits staff and other team members to resolve issues and promote understanding of company benefit programs.
• Leads Annual Open Enrollment process. Conducts annual plan analyses, vendor reviews, plan modifications and contract negotiations to ensure that plans remain competitive and cost effective. Works with corporate communications to design and distribute annual enrollment communications. Ensures that all plan documents and summaries are updated and communicated.
• Communicates and builds strong partner relationships with third-party administrators and benefits providers. Lead in managing vendor relationships and resolving policy and system issues. Works with third party administrators and HRIS team to update system requirements and data. Serves or participate on various committees or task forces.
• Ensures regulatory compliance with federal (ERISA, HIPPA, COBRA, PPACA, 5500’s, etc.) and state laws. Interfaces with legal counsel as necessary on plan design, modifications, and issues. Leads audits and compliance reviews as necessary.
• Works with HR teams to ensure the efficient and effective facilitation of day-to-day benefits administration, including consulting with third-party plan administrators, doctors, and others in the medical and social services community. Provides advice and counsel to team members as issues arise and ensures team member understanding of company benefit programs.
• Conducts market research to identify trends and best practices and incorporates findings as appropriate into the design, development and implementation of benefit plans and programs. Consults with HR, management and project teams; provides analysis, design support, statistical and financial models to ensure cost effective and efficient plans that enhance opportunities to meet business objectives.
• Proactively recommends policy changes and process improvements to achieve business goals and Ensures recommendations, reports, related polices or communications are consistent and in accordance with the Company’s philosophy, policies and practices and other governing HR regulations. Participates in key management activities and committees as required and maintains appropriate communications within area of responsibility.
• Manages diverse data, financial billing, and plan reconciliation; prepares cost analyses and tracks costs.
• Assists with the day-to-day administration of the Benefits department; provides general advice and direction (related to assignments, policies and practices, work processes, etc. within the department) to junior team members; proactively takes action required to ensure continuous customer focus and productivity; keeps management informed accordingly.
• Provides leadership, direction and growth opportunities to members of the Benefits department, performing those responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, planning, assigning or directing work, appraising performance, disciplining team members and resolving problems. Works with the Human Resources Department to resolve more complex team member-related issues.
• Each team member is expected to be aware of risk within their functional area. This includes observing all policies, procedures, laws, regulations and risk limits specific to their role. Additionally, they should raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely fashion.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Synovus is an Equal Opportunity Employer supporting diversity in the workplace