Benefit & Leave Administration Manager
Are you a seasoned benefits professional ready to lead a team and elevate a national benefits program? One of our long-standing clients, a highly respected and well-established organization, is seeking a Benefits & Leave Administration Manager to lead their benefits operations and ensure compliance, employee support, and continuous improvement across the function. This is a hybrid leadership opportunity based in the west metro, with visibility across the entire enterprise and the chance to impact benefits programs for thousands of employees nationwide.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
•Leadership & Impact – Lead a team of benefits and leave specialists while supporting a national workforce of over 9,000 employees.
•Stability & Growth – Join a company with a decades-long history of success and a people-first culture.
•Strategic Influence – Take ownership of compliance, systems optimization, vendor relationships, and process enhancements.
•Collaborative Culture – Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers in a highly team-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead & Mentor a high-performing team supporting health, welfare, and retirement benefits, as well as leave administration.
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance with ERISA, FMLA, ACA, and other federal/state requirements.
- Drive Operational Excellence in open enrollment, plan communications, benefit invoicing, vendor management, and pension support.
- Own Systems & Reporting – Oversee HRIS configuration, data integrity, and analytics to support strategic planning.
- Partner Strategically – Collaborate with brokers, providers, and internal stakeholders to optimize program offerings and address employee needs.
Desired Skills and Experience
- 8–10+ years of benefits experience including health, welfare, retirement, and leave management.
- 3+ years of leadership experience overseeing HR/benefits teams.
- Strong command of ERISA, FMLA, ACA, and multi-state compliance.
- Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems—Workday or UKG experience is a plus.
- Exceptional communication, project management, and analytical skills.
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ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
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Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
