Assistant Manager-Benefits

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager Benefits is responsible for the design, governance, and administration of employee benefits programs. This role combines deep subject matter expertise in benefits with strong operational leadership to ensure accurate, compliant, and employee-centric benefits delivery.

The incumbent will drive program effectiveness, manage vendor relationships, ensure seamless benefits administration, and continuously enhance the employee experience through efficient processes and data-driven insights.

Essential Duties

Benefits Strategy & Program Design

• Support the development and execution of the organizations benefits strategy aligned with business and talent objectives.
• Design, review, and benchmark health, insurance, retirement, wellness, and other benefit programs.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide recommendations for enhancements based on workforce demographics and business needs.

Benefits Administration & Operations

• Own end-to-end benefits administration including enrollment, renewals, changes, exits, and claims processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll inputs related to benefits.
• Oversee annual open enrollment processes.
• Manage HRIS benefits modules and ensure data accuracy.
• Develop SOPs and continuously improve benefits administration processes.
• Track SLAs and resolve escalations effectively.
• Interpret and clarify benefits and LOA policies, resolving escalated complex problems, addressing inquiries from employees, HRBPs and managers
• Proactively identify and develop continuous improvement solutions that create efficiency and improve the team member and employee experience, and address corrections as needed

Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with insurance providers, brokers, TPAs, wellness partners, and retirement fund administrators.
• Lead negotiations, renewals, and contract management.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed SLAs.
• Drive cost optimization without compromising employee value.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all benefit programs comply with applicable labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Maintain accurate policy documentation and communication materials.
• Conducts vendor and HRIS audits to ensure accuracy of Benefits and LOA records, working closely with Benefits & LOA Specialists and relevant teams to resolve discrepancies in a timely manner

Reporting & Analytics

• Track benefits utilization trends and cost metrics.
• Provide periodic dashboards and insights to HR leadership and Finance.
• Forecast benefits costs and support budgeting cycles.

Qualifications & Experience

• MBA in HR, Business, or related field (Masters preferred).
• 6-9 years of experience in HR, with at least 3-5 years specializing in benefits.
• Strong knowledge of health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and statutory benefits.
• Experience managing benefits administration processes and HR systems.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret benefits data.
• High attention to detail and strong governance orientation.
• Knowledge of Indian labor laws and regulations related to leaves and benefits
• Ability to manage concurrent projects and/or programs
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong attention to detail and quality

Key Competencies

• Benefits Subject Matter Expertise
• Operational Excellence
• Stakeholder Management
• Process Improvement
• Analytical & Financial Acumen
• Communication & Employee Orientation
• Compliance & Risk Awareness