Benefits Manager {W} en ARKA Group L.P.

ARKA Group L.P. (“ARKA”) is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview:

The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, administration, and communication of all employee benefits programs covering the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of our employees.  This includes but is not limited to health & welfare, wellness, leave/disability, life, and COBRA for >1,000 employees working in 30+ states and the United Kingdom.  The role also co-manages the company’s 401k plan.

This role will work closely with external partners and internal stakeholders to optimize and continuously improve the benefits offerings, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. The position is fully on site in Danbury, CT and reports to the Director of Human Resources for ARKA Group and manages a department of two.  

Responsibilities:

• Benefits Program Management
• Manage the design, implementation, and administration of health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs for the entire company
• Ensure benefit programs are compliant with all regulatory requirements.  Partners with internal and external legal partners and outside consultants to stay current with changing regulations.  Implements all required regulatory and updates plans and policies consistent with changing requirements
• Evaluate existing benefit programs to ensure competitiveness and alignment with the company’s benefits philosophy and goals
• Manage the annual open enrollment process including the evaluation and selection of benefit vendors and system configuration
• Manage all benefits-related HRIS interfaces and actions, partnering with the HRIS manager
• Be an escalation point for employee benefits questions and issues
• Provide oversight of all company, state and federal leave programs, including worker’s compensation leave

• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead a small team of benefit professionals
• Set team goals, monitor performance, and foster professional growth
• Ensure smooth daily operations of the benefits team and manage workload distribution
• Vendor Management
• Manage relationships with external vendors, brokers, and consultants
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure high-quality service delivery and cost efficiency
• Work with benefits broker to ensure an effective renewal process with a focus on quality of services, cost, and implementation
• Manage new and existing vendor contracts working closely with our broker and internal partners

• Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to HIPAA, CAA, ERISA, COBRA, Health & Welfare 5500 filings, ACA, annual legal notices and non-discrimination testing
• Oversee audits and reporting requirements for all benefit programs, including the 401k
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for regulatory purposes
• Maintain appropriate level of awareness and knowledge of new regulations to ensure company compliance in all benefit offerings
• Strategic Planning & Analysis
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure alignment of benefit programs to organizational objectives
• Employee Communication & Education
• Develop and implement communication strategies to ensure employees understand and utilize benefit programs effectively
• Budget and Financial Management
• Manage the budget for all benefits programs
• Ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in overall benefits management
• HRIS experience as it relates to benefits management
• People management experience
• Experience with leave administration across a multi-state environment, including experience with Workers’ Compensation leave management
• Strong working knowledge of current benefit practices and trends
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to employee benefits and experience in ensuring benefits compliance
• Proven experience managing benefit vendors
• Experience in managing employer wellness and wellbeing programs
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and project management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong customer service orientation
• Attention to detail and team player

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with UKG HR Management and Plan Source benefits
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, finance, business administration or relevant field of study, or equivalent work experience
• Experience administering 401k plans

Location: Danbury, CT

Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to [email protected] or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires the incumbent to access export-controlled information. If you are not a U.S. Person, any offer is contingent upon the Company's ability to obtain a special license granting you access. This could take several months. You will not be able to begin employment until such license is obtained.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-employment Screenings:

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.