Manager, Human Resources Benefits and Compensation

The Job/What You'll Do:

The Manager, Benefits and Compensation is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and ongoing evaluation of Solari's total rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, wellness, and leave management. This role ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with Solari's mission, values, and organizational goals. The Manager provides leadership and guidance to the HR Specialists in Benefits and Compensation, serves as a subject matter expert to internal stakeholders, and partners with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate, compliant, and effective program delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Administers and continuously improves Solari's total rewards strategy, ensuring alignment between compensation, benefits, wellness, and leave programs.
• Oversee market analyses, salary structures, and job classification reviews conducted by the Compensation Specialist to ensure internal equity, external competitiveness, and compliance.
• Partners with leadership and managers to ensure compensation and job evaluations are accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned.
• Leads the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, EAP, and voluntary plans.
• Oversee benefit renewals, open enrollment, and benefits-related communications, ensuring timely and accurate enrollments, updates, and employee support.
• Provides oversight and guidance for work performed by Benefits Specialists, acting as an escalation point for brokers, carriers, and the 401(k) provider; oversees compliance reporting, annual retirement plan audits, Form 5500 filings, and Summary Annual Reports (SARs).
• Ensures adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, including FLSA, ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and state-specific requirements.
• Oversees administration of leave programs, including FMLA, state-specific leave laws, and ADA accommodations, ensuring processes are consistent, compliant, and well-documented.
• Reviews and approves ADA accommodation requests, providing direction and support to Specialists managing the interactive process and handling complex or escalated cases.
• Oversee the administration of workers' compensation claims to ensure accurate reporting, coordination with third-party administrators, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Analyzes trends and metrics in compensation, benefits, leave, and workers' compensation data to identify opportunities for improvement, cost management, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee wellness initiatives, providing leadership and direction for program planning, implementation, and evaluation, including facilitation of the wellness committee as needed.
• Supervises and develops HR Specialists in Benefits and Compensation, fostering professional growth, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Collaborates with other HR leaders to ensure total rewards programs support recruitment, retention, and performance management objectives.
• Provides expert consultation to managers and employees on compensation, benefits, and leave-related questions or issues.
• Monitors and interprets legislation and best practices in compensation, benefits, and leave administration, recommending updates to policies and practices as needed.
• Leads or supports HR projects and process improvement initiatives that enhance HR service delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

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  Comprehensive knowledge of compensation and benefits principles, practices, and compliance requirements; strong understanding of FLSA, ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ADA, and FMLA; analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and develop informed recommendations; exceptional attention to detail and accuracy; effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to interact confidently across all levels of the organization; strong leadership and coaching abilities; sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information; ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution; proven capability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration, and Microsoft Excel; commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and compliance.

  
  
• Ability to act professionally and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.
• Ability to report as scheduled to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate compassion and meet people with compassion; Effort, every interaction deserves my best effort; and Ownership, which drives the company's success.
• Maintains an open and accepting mindset by being an active learner, participating in discussions with others, trying new approaches and ideas, and being self-aware and self-reflective for continual personal, professional and leadership growth.

Education & Experience:

• 6+ years of experience in field, 4+ years of leadership, Required
• HRCI (PHR, SPHR) or SHRM (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP); CCP preferred
• Bachelors Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, Preferred