Senior Benefits Manager

We are looking for a Senior Benefits Manager to lead our benefits team and oversee the administration of our health and welfare plans, retirement plans, leave of absence programs, and related benefits operations. In this role, you’ll help ensure our benefits programs run smoothly, accurately, and consistently while supporting compliance requirements and working closely with vendors internal partners across the organization. You’ll also lead a team of four benefits team members, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, and support for their continued growth. This role reports to and partners closely with the Director of the People Team and other People Team leadership. We’re looking for a hands-on benefits leader who can manage complex plans and processes while bringing structure to the work through clear workflows and practical process improvements. How You’ll Work: On-site work from South Austin PCSI corporate office required Monday-Friday during initial training period. Eligible for a hybrid work schedule (up to 2 remote days per week) upon successful completion of training and with manager approval. Monday-Friday schedule, with approximately 8 consecutive working hours within PCSI’s core business hours of 7:00am - 6:00 pm, and as business needs necessitate. Occasional evening and weekend support as needed. Must be located in the Austin, TX metro area. Benefits Include: Annual bonus opportunity up to 8%. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums for Employee Only plans. 401(k) with company match up to 6%, with pre-tax and Roth options, and 100% immediate vesting upon eligibility. Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, plus additional voluntary benefit options. 21 days of PTO each year, in addition to all federal holidays. Who We Are: PCSI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. We vet, prepare, lead, and sustain a skilled workforce that provides top-tier services at job sites across the country. Our areas of expertise are wide and diverse; total facilities maintenance, hospital environmental services, custodial and grounds, disability awareness training, job coaching, and job placement are just a few. We integrate people with disabilities and veterans into meaningful jobs with competitive wages and benefits. Serving people of all abilities in their life’s journey is at the heart of what we do. What You'll Do as Senior Benefits Manager: Benefits Strategy & Team Leadership Oversee and guide the design, evaluation, and optimization of benefit programs, including medical plans, health & welfare plans, 401(k)/retirement plans, and leave of absence programs. Partner with People team leadership and internal stakeholders to support benefit program communication, administration, and alignment with organizational goals. Provide practical guidance to People team leadership on benefits trends, compliance considerations, and program improvement opportunities Ensure benefit programs support attraction, retention, and long-term engagement through hands-on program management. Lead, mentor, and develop the benefits team by providing direction, support, and coaching. Evaluate existing benefits processes and implement improvements across workflows, systems, compliance controls, vendor performance, and the employee experience. Plan Administration & Operations Manage and remain actively involved in the day-to-day administration of all benefits for a large, distributed employee population. Manage annual open enrollment, including communications, employee education, HRIS updates, and coordination with benefit vendors. Manage day-to-day relationships with brokers, carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators, monitoring performance and resolving service issues. Maintain and continuously improve benefits communication channels and documentation, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and employee understanding. Review required notices, plan documents, wrap documents, and compliance-related materials for accuracy and completeness Oversee billing processes, eligibility reconciliation, and resolution of discrepancies. Coordinate and directly support retirement plan audits, including data validation, nondiscrimination testing coordination, documentation, and alignment with fiduciary responsibilities. Leave Programs & Compliance Evaluate and improve leave administration practices by establishing clear, consistent processes for intake, tracking, communication, documentation, escalation, compliance, and return-to-work coordination. Oversee and remain closely involved in the administration of leave of absence programs (FMLA, state paid leaves, and company-specific leave), including escalations and complex cases. Ensure leave of absence programs are administered consistently and in compliance with policy and regulatory requirements across multiple states. Oversee short-term and long-term disability programs, working closely with vendors and employees to resolve claims issues. Support ACA compliance activities, including eligibility tracking, affordability analysis, reporting, and measurement period administration. Partner with internal departments to maintain compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related federal and state regulations through active oversight and hands-on review of processes and outputs. Partner with internal legal counsel, brokers, and vendors during audits, filings, and government inquiries, playing an active role in preparation and response. Maintain health and welfare fringe benefit calculations and SCA fringe benefit compliance. Data Analytics & Financial Oversight Serve as a subject matter expert in HRIS data for benefits and leave management, including configuration, business process optimization, reporting, and integration troubleshooting. Analyze benefits data to assess plan performance, identify risks, and recommend actionable improvements. Develop and deliver data-driven executive reports, translating insights and trends into strategic recommendations. Support the annual benefits budget process by tracking costs, assisting with forecasting, and identifying cost-containment opportunities. Ensure accuracy and integrity of file feeds, system integrations, and benefits data across platforms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. What You'll Need: Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related major. Minimum 5-10 years of progressive experience in benefits or total rewards in complex multi-state or multi-site environments. Minimum 3-5 years in a leadership role within HR, benefits, or total rewards. Advanced knowledge of health benefit plans, retirement plans (401(k)), and leave management, and of federal and state laws regulating benefit programs. Strong understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA). Strong hands-on experience in HRIS systems, carrier file feeds, enrollment platforms, case management processes, and data integrity controls. Preferred Qualifications: Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification. Experience with union pensions and health & welfare dollars. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong Microsoft Office, Excel, and HRIS reporting skills, including data reconciliation, pivot tables, formulas, and leadership-ready summaries. People leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, support, and guide team performance. Ability to plan team workloads, set priorities, and guide day-to-day decisions. Project management skills with the ability to manage timelines, coordinate deliverables, and keep work on track. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain benefits information clearly to employees, leaders, vendors, and internal partners. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, eligibility tracking, and compliance with plan requirements and regulatory standards. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret benefits data and make recommendations. Process improvement mindset with the ability to document procedures, streamline workflows, identify root causes, and improve the employee experience. Change management skills with the ability to support benefit plan and process transitions while remaining flexible and responsive to evolving business needs. High degree of confidentiality with employee personal data and other sensitive information. Other Requirements: Ability to pass criminal, drug, financial, and driving screening. May need to have the ability to legally drive a company vehicle. Ability to exchange accurate information in person and over the phone. Occasional travel may be required, up to 5%. PCSI does not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. This includes visa types such as H-1B, TN, and STEM OPT. Please do not apply if you currently require or may require sponsorship now or in the future. All veterans and/or persons with all types of disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!