HR Manager, Benefits

Description

Saxton & Stump team, you’ll be joining a culture of excellence and teamwork, mixed with a strong focus on investing in our team and the community. We understand that the new legal environment requires a different type of approach to all aspects of the business, and we’ve built that into the way we recruit, the way we structure our team, and the way we value customer service.

We are seeking a highly skilled HR Manager, Benefits to manage the firm’s benefits administration and compliance, and to partner with firm leadership on strategic benefits initiatives and execution.

*This is an on-site position that will sit at either our Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Malvern or Pittsburgh location. 

  

Position Summary

The HR Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration and communication of the firm’s employee benefits programs—including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k), HSA/FSA, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and other offerings. This role will also ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations applicable to law firm employees and support the firm’s annual benefits renewal, open enrollment, and vendor relationships.

The ideal candidate has strong benefits expertise, exceptional attention to detail, a client-service mindset, and the professionalism to support attorneys and staff across multiple offices.

This role will collaborate closely with the HR Manager, Employee Relations and provide resource redundancy. The role will also collaborate closely with the Manager of Compensation & Finance Analytics who oversees payroll. 

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administer all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), HSA/FSA, voluntary benefits, and wellness programs.
• Manage enrollments, changes, terminations, and eligibility audits.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits questions and provide high-touch support to attorneys and staff.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Oversee annual filings and documentation, including 5500s and required notices.
• Maintain accurate and secure employee records in HRIS systems.

Vendor & Renewal Management

• Serve as the main liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, and vendors.
• Support the annual renewal process, including data analysis, cost modeling, and plan design recommendations.
• Review and reconcile monthly invoices; resolve discrepancies.

Open Enrollment & Communications

• Coordinate and manage the annual open enrollment process across all firm offices.
• Develop and deliver clear employee communications, FAQs, presentations, and training materials.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations and onboarding sessions.

Leave Administration and collaboration with Employee Relations 

• Assist with managing the benefits execution of FMLA, ADA accommodations, short/long-term disability, parental leave, and other firm leave policies.
• Coordinate with managers, employees, and third-party administrators to ensure timely processing and communication.

HR & Firm Collaboration

• Partner with firm leadership on strategic projects and benefits program enhancements.
• Close collaboration with HR Manager, Employee Relations, and Manager of Compensation & Finance Analytics 
• Other duties as assigned

HR Benefits Consulting 

• Because the firm has a unique and ‘different’ business model, we foresee and on an as needed basis consulting opportunities to partner with the firm’s affiliate company, Trew HR, to provide advisory and consulting support on benefits-related matters.
• The firm and Trew HR maintain a reciprocal referral relationship; accordingly, strong collaboration and alignment between the two organizations will be essential.

Requirements

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on benefits administration experience, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Experience with HRIS systems, specifically Paylocity, this is the system that is used by Saxton & Stump.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong client-service mindset.
• Previous experience in a law firm or multi-office professional services organization is preferred.
• Benefits certification(s) such as CEBS, CBP, SHRM-CP/SCP, or PHR/SPHR is preferred.      
• Experience supporting multi-state offices and complex benefit structures is preferred. 

The following soft skills will be critical to the success of this role and are equally important to technical competencies:

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills  
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality  
• Ability to take direction and execute tasks/projects accurately 
• A high degree of situational awareness with the ability to seek clarification, always keeping leadership in the loop first before executing tasks. 
• Ability to pivot quickly and to be flexible due to changing business needs. 

Saxton & Stump offers a competitive salary, as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance (which start day one of employment), a 401k plan, and the opportunity for professional growth.