Assistant Director: Health and Welfare - Chicago, IL

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world's major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts ...

Job description

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world's major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm's client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Benefits department in our Chicago office, as an Assistant Director: Health and Welfare.

This position is responsible for managing the administration and analysis of all health & welfare insurance programs in the U.S. Overall responsibility includes health insurance (medical; including retiree medical, dental, and vision), life/AD&D, worker's compensation, Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, flexible spending accounts, global business travel insurance, international health plan (Health and Life/Disability). Assures compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations effecting the administration of these plans, including ACA. Will work on a global level on review of plan offerings and enhancements, along with the Senior Director: Global Benefits & Well-being.

Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

• Accounts for the management the administration and analysis of all health & welfare insurance programs
• Manages the health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life/AD&D, workers' compensation, STD involvement, LTD, flexible spending accounts, global business travel insurance, and international health plan (Health and Life/Disability) including Open Enrollment
• Develops new programs, enhancements and streamline processes as appropriate
• Assures compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations effecting the administration of these plans, including contract/booklets review and ACA (1095Cs and Employer reporting)
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for employee benefit plans. Ensures appropriate audit procedures for such plans
• Oversees maintenance of employee Health & Welfare benefit records. Manages staff responsible for accurate communication and administration of changes to benefit enrollment
• Oversees management of benefits staff responsible for areas of workers' compensation, Long-term disability and COBRA compliance. Ensures accurate administration of programs and compliance with reporting requirements, including ACA (annual 1095s and Firm Reporting)
• Work with the Senior Director: Global Benefits & Well-Being and Assistant Manager: Health & Welfare to vet, develop, coordinate, communicate and implement well-being programs and events
• Offers guidance, insight and assistance regarding LOA administration
• Partners with brokers and consultants on H&W plan renewals, reporting, meetings, etc.
• Manages vendors for out-sourced processes such as COBRA
• Works with consultants/brokers to assure annual notices, PCORI Tax and H&W 5500 are filed timely and responsible for communicating SARs
• Works with Assistant Manager: Health & Welfare on non-qualified H&W benefit programs (EAP, Bright Horizons emergency child/elder care)
• Collaborates with Assistant Manager: Health & Welfare to coordinate annual Wellness Fair. Provides guidance and support to division Wellness initiatives (including annual flu shots) to assure consistency across the Firm
• Manages global business travel policy, contract review, and portal
• Manages global secondee/international medical and life insurance plan offerings
• Oversees the maintenance of employee Health & Welfare benefit records. Manages staff responsible for accurate communication and administration of changes to benefit enrollment (via PeopleSoft Ben Admin)
• Responsible for assuring all H&W related invoices are timely and accurate and for annual budgeting
• Communicates with employees and administration regarding benefits program and provide information upon request
• Prepares and/or distributes management reports in response to requests
• Partners with HRIS/HRIT and Assistant Director: Retirement, and Senior Analyst: Health & Welfare to assure People Soft BenAdmin programming, interfaces, configuration changes, testing, etc. needs as related to H&W administration are met.
• Member of Welfare Benefit Committee
• Cross trains on AD of Retirement Services – U.S. job duties
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications
Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Advanced degree preferred

Professional Experience

• Minimum of five years of previous benefits management experience required
• Prior experience working on a professional services setting preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
• Extensive experience with H&W insurance program administration, required
• Experience with retirement savings plan program administration, preferred
• Strong knowledge of automated systems, both with third-party vendors as well as payroll/HRIS systems as it relates to benefit programs, required
• Strong analytical and numerical ability, required
• Proven working knowledge of ERISA, Department of Labor and IRS regulations as they pertain to benefit and retirement plan programs, required
• Hands on knowledge of Excel and PeopleSoft Query reporting, preferred

Performance Traits

• Must be highly analytical and have ability to manage annual projects from planning through to final audit and maintenance of enrollment in plans. Must be able to communicate well in both written and verbal form.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Management Accountabilities

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
• May require travel to other offices as needed

The typical pay scale for this position is between $180,000 and $238,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate's education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.