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What does an employee benefits manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

An employee benefits manager is responsible for leading the human resources department in establishing the appropriate benefits package and compensation for the employees according to industry regulations and business requirements. Employee benefits managers facilitate the programs and orientations in sharing retirement plans, insurance policies, and other related packages across the organization. They also assist the employee benefits staff in resolving issues and handling disputes from employees' concerns. An employee benefits manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the human resources practices to build recommendations that would support the employees' needs and welfare.

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Employee benefits manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real employee benefits manager resumes:

  • Lead the RFP process to select a new global payroll provider; balancing the needs of all global stakeholders.
  • Create reports using SQL database and manage reports, perform from internet-base tools for research projects need for client insight.
  • Advise executive committee on design of benefit plans and compliance with applicable IRC and ERISA regulations and DOL guidelines.
  • Upload electronic data interchanges, for FSA, H.S.A , 403b , 457b.
  • Create and maintain updated ACA relate employer require reports.
  • Drive full replacement CDHP plans with HSA and wellness initiatives.
  • Compile new information and used it in PowerPoint presentations for meetings.
  • Supervise audit of Rx claims and HIPAA privacy and security audit.
  • Enroll newly hire employees in benefits , 401K and HSA banking accounts.
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations, excel spreadsheets, order supplies, and answer phones.
  • Select a vendor for reporting and working on implementation to meet all ACA requirements.
  • Provide advice and prepare documents, training materials and checklists for clients complying with HIPAA regulations.
  • Investigate ERISA violations of employee benefit plans and conduct interviews in NYC area as part of investigations.
  • Counsele and advise associates on leave of absence process which includes tracking benefit payments and FMLA time.
  • Work on a small team that design, test, and implement the firm's HRIS system.

Employee benefits manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Employee Benefits Managers are proficient in Customer Service, HR, and Client Relationships. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Analytical skills, and Business skills.

We break down the percentage of Employee Benefits Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 13%

    Serviced national benefit accounts; facilitated open enrollment process for clients including group presentations, individual interviews and customer service support.

  • HR, 9%

    Transitioned HR from traditional benefits administration to e-HR model by leveraging technology to enhance services to TF employees and management.

  • Client Relationships, 6%

    Maintained retention rate of 100% for existing accounts by managing all aspects of service, client relationships and administration.

  • Senior Level Management, 6%

    Created and monitored benefits metrics and reports success against goals to senior level management.

  • Due Diligence, 5%

    Lead on multiple acquisitions through the late 1990s; from due diligence to employee relations.

  • Cross-Selling, 5%

    Developed and implemented successful strategies in cross-selling Employee Benefit plans to existing Property/Casualty clients.

"customer service," "hr," and "client relationships" are among the most common skills that employee benefits managers use at work. You can find even more employee benefits manager responsibilities below, including:

Leadership skills. The most essential soft skill for an employee benefits manager to carry out their responsibilities is leadership skills. This skill is important for the role because "compensation and benefits managers coordinate the activities of their staff and administer compensation and benefits programs, ensuring that the work is completed accurately and on schedule." Additionally, an employee benefits manager resume shows how their duties depend on leadership skills: "worked with the leadership team on the redesign of the hr solutions center to a tier-structure. "

Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform employee benefits manager duties is analytical skills. Employee benefits managers responsibilities require that "compensation and benefits managers analyze data on wages and salaries and the cost of benefits, and they assess and devise programs that best fit an organization and its employees." Employee benefits managers also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "upload electronic data interchanges, for fsa, h.s.a, 403b, 457b. "

Business skills. employee benefits managers are also known for business skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to employee benefits manager responsibilities, because "these managers oversee a budget, build a case for their recommendations, and understand how compensation and benefits plans affect an organization’s finances." An employee benefits manager resume example shows how business skills is used in the workplace: "strategized new initiatives with sales team and brokers with the goal of increasing new business production and client retention. "

Communication skills. employee benefits manager responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "compensation and benefits managers direct staff, give presentations, and work with colleagues." This resume example shows what employee benefits managers do with communication skills on a typical day: "develop and implement communication strategies which support various benefit plan designs, and erisa requirements. "

All employee benefits manager skills

The three companies that hire the most employee benefits managers are:

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Compare different employee benefits managers

Employee benefits manager vs. Plan administrator

A plan administrator's duties depend on their line of work or place of employment. Still, they typically include understanding the client or the project's needs, developing plans, performing research and analysis, liaising with internal and external parties, setting goals, establishing guidelines and timelines, and developing strategies to optimize procedures. They must also respond to issues and concerns, resolving them efficiently. Moreover, as a plan administrator, it is essential to monitor the daily operations and manage staff, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

If we compare the average employee benefits manager annual salary with that of a plan administrator, we find that plan administrators typically earn a $17,186 lower salary than employee benefits managers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between employee benefits managers and plan administrators are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like hr, client relationships, and insurance carriers.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, employee benefits manager responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "senior level management," "due diligence," and "cross-selling." Meanwhile a typical plan administrator has skills in areas such as "payroll," "database," "excellent organizational," and "sox." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Plan administrators really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $81,211. Comparatively, employee benefits managers tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $88,368.The education levels that plan administrators earn slightly differ from employee benefits managers. In particular, plan administrators are 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an employee benefits manager. Additionally, they're 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Employee benefits manager vs. Compensation director

A compensation director spearheads and oversees an organization or company's compensation programs, ensuring they adhere to state and federal standards. They primarily set objectives and guidelines among their staff, delegate responsibilities, facilitate research and assessments, and develop strategies to optimize compensation operations. They also lead the development of employee benefits, including salary structures, retirement plans, and insurance policies. Additionally, as a director, it is essential to empower staff to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Compensation director positions earn higher pay than employee benefits manager roles. They earn a $31,864 higher salary than employee benefits managers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both employee benefits managers and compensation directors have skills such as "due diligence," "hipaa," and "erisa. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real employee benefits manager resumes. While employee benefits manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "hr," "client relationships," and "senior level management," compensation directors use skills like "human resources," "healthcare," "base pay," and "compensation strategy."

Compensation directors earn a higher average salary than employee benefits managers. But compensation directors earn the highest pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $111,148. Additionally, employee benefits managers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $88,368 annually.compensation directors earn higher levels of education than employee benefits managers in general. They're 10.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.
Learn more about employee benefits managers vs compensation directors.

Employee benefits manager vs. Compensation consultant

A compensation consultant is responsible for supporting the human resources department's operations by reviewing the organization's compensation policies and programs, ensuring that the guidelines adhere to state regulations and requirements. Compensation consultants conduct market research analysis to identify salary grades according to job positions and financial stability. They also study benefit plans and facilitate the dissemination of information by organizing orientations and utilizing the company's media platforms. A compensation consultant should have excellent knowledge of the payroll processes to respond to employees' inquiries and concerns and settle salary discrepancies.

On average scale, compensation consultants bring in higher salaries than employee benefits managers. In fact, they earn a $4,815 higher salary per year.By looking over several employee benefits managers and compensation consultants resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "client relationships," "hris," and "rfp." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, employee benefits managers are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "hr," "senior level management," and "due diligence." But a compensation consultant is more likely to have skills like "human resources," "project management," "data analysis," and "salary administration."

Compensation consultants earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $90,881. Comparatively, employee benefits managers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $88,368.When it comes to education, compensation consultants tend to earn higher degree levels compared to employee benefits managers. In fact, they're 10.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.
Learn more about employee benefits managers vs compensation consultants.

Employee benefits manager vs. Benefit director

Benefits directors are professionals who plan and direct the overall design, implementation, and administration of an organization's health and welfare benefits programs. To support the decision making of the management, these directors are required to analyze benefit options and predict future costs. They should study programs so that they can identify benefit options as well as obtain advice from consultants. Benefits directors must study existing and new legislation so that they can comply with federal, state, and legal requirements and advise the management on needed actions.

Benefit directors average a higher salary than the annual salary of employee benefits managers. The difference is about $24,946 per year.While both employee benefits managers and benefit directors complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like due diligence, insurance carriers, and health insurance, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between employee benefits managers and benefit directors, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an employee benefits manager might have more use for skills like "customer service," "hr," "client relationships," and "senior level management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of benefit directors require skills like "human resources," "oversight," "shared services," and "employee engagement. "

Benefit directors enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $97,541. For comparison, employee benefits managers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.In general, benefit directors hold higher degree levels compared to employee benefits managers. Benefit directors are 5.5% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.
Learn more about employee benefits managers vs benefit directors.

Types of employee benefits manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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