Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Benefits & Wellness Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Human Resources Department

Reports to: Benefits Director

Jackson Walker, the largest law firm in Texas, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Benefits & Wellness Manager. The Benefits & Wellness Manager is responsible for the strategic administration, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Firm's employee benefits and wellness programs. This position partners with Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, external brokers, carriers, third-party administrators, and Firm leadership to ensure employees receive exceptional service while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Benefits & Wellness Manager oversees the day-to-day administration of health and welfare benefit plans, wellness initiatives, workers' compensation, and employee benefit communications. This position evaluates program effectiveness, recommends enhancements, manages vendor relationships, supports regulatory compliance, and leads initiatives that promote employee well-being while aligning with the Firm's strategic objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Benefits Administration

• Oversee the day-to-day administration of the Firm's health, welfare and ancillary benefit programs.
• Ensure accurate enrollment, eligibility, life event changes, and benefit terminations for all benefit programs.
• Maintain employee benefit records and ensure accurate documentation within applicable HR systems.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations and educate employees regarding available benefit offerings.
• Provide employees with guidance regarding benefit eligibility, plan provisions, enrollment, claims resolution, and available resources.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities, including employee communications, system testing, educational materials, and enrollment support.
• Monitor the Firm's Benefits intranet pages and ensure information remains current and accurate.

Wellness Programs

• Develop, coordinate, and administer the Firm's employee wellness initiatives and engagement programs.
• Partner with benefit vendors and wellness providers to promote employee participation and overall well-being.
• Coordinate biometric screenings, flu shot clinics, health education programs, Lunch & Learn sessions, and other wellness events.
• Evaluate employee participation and recommend new wellness initiatives that support employee health, engagement, and retention.
• Develop employee communications promoting wellness resources and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Workers' Compensation

• Coordinate Workers' Compensation claims from initial reporting through claim resolution while partnering with employees, supervisors, carriers, and third-party administrators.
• Oversee COBRA administration through the Firm's outsourced COBRA administrator.

Compliance & Regulatory Administration

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employee benefits programs.
• Manage Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting and other required regulatory filings.
• Review health and welfare plan documentation, amendments, insurance contracts, and Summary Plan Descriptions for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators regarding benefit plan changes and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor industry trends and legislative developments impacting employee benefit programs.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, wellness providers, and third-party administrators.
• Review vendor performance and recommend program enhancements and service improvements.
• Audit monthly benefit invoices and coordinate with Payroll and Accounting to resolve billing discrepancies.
• Ensure timely payment of benefit invoices and maintain accurate financial records.
• Assist in developing and managing the annual benefits and wellness budget.
• Analyze utilization, participation, costs, market trends, and employee feedback to recommend program improvements and cost-saving opportunities.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate the Benefits Analyst.
• Delegate responsibilities while ensuring timely completion of departmental objectives.
• Develop departmental procedures and continuously improve benefits administration processes.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for Human Resources leadership and the Benefits Committee.
• Participate in Benefits Committee meetings and present recommendations regarding benefits and wellness strategy.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Finance, or a related field required; Master's degree and/or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR), SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or other related certification preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience administering employee benefits, wellness initiatives and employee benefit compliance.
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience administering employee benefit programs for a mid-sized or large organization; law firm or other professional services experience preferred.
• Experience managing benefit vendors, brokers, insurance carriers, wellness vendors, and third-party administrators.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee benefits, wellness programs, Workers' Compensation, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Experience supporting annual Open Enrollment planning, employee communications, benefits education, and system implementations.
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and drive continuous process improvement.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to communicate complex benefits information effectively to employees, attorneys, business professionals, and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and establish trusted partnerships across all levels of the Firm while providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to analyze utilization, market trends, financial data, and employee feedback to develop strategic recommendations that enhance the Firm's Total Rewards programs.
• Strong leadership, coaching, employee development, and team management skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and benefits administration platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

Work Conditions:

This position operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment and technology. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and frequent interaction with employees, attorneys, vendors, and Firm leadership. Occasional travel to Jackson Walker office locations may be required to support Open Enrollment, wellness initiatives, employee meetings, training sessions, and other Human Resources activities. Additional hours may occasionally be necessary to support business needs, benefit implementations, Open Enrollment, wellness events, or other time-sensitive initiatives.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com