Benefits Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Who YOU are and what You can become:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Sr. Benefits Manager to lead and optimize our benefits operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on professional with strong HRIS and Excel expertise, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a passion for delivering outstanding employee experience.

In this role, you will manage day-to-day benefits administration, ensure accuracy and compliance across all programs, collaborate with vendors and internal partners, and drive process improvements that enhance efficiency and service delivery. Success in this position requires strong communication skills, operational excellence, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities with precision.

Who WE are and where WE are going:

 ST Engineering is a global technology, defense, and engineering group with a diverse portfolio of businesses across the aerospace, smart city, defense and public security segments.  In the U.S., we operate in over 50 cities across 21 states with our headquarters in Arlington, VA. More than 5,000 employees in the U.S. harness technology and innovation to deliver innovative products and solutions for diverse industries. For over 30 years, we have invested in growing our presence in the country, establishing a robust network of businesses spanning diverse segments, each recognized for its leadership within its specific domain. Today, our teams focus on the aerospace, satcom, land transportation, defense and public security market segments to serve commercial, military and government customers.  At ST Engineering, we enable a more secure and sustainable world through innovative technology, products and solutions across diverse market segments. For the latest news about the group, visit www.stengg.com and follow the ST Engineering LinkedIn page.  

What YOU will do:

The Sr. Benefits Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operational management of employee benefits programs. This role focuses on hands-on process ownership, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in benefits delivery across health insurance, Voluntary Benefits, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and leave programs. The position requires strong technical proficiency in benefit administrative systems, and a proficient understanding of HRIS and payroll systems, meticulous attention to detail for data management and compliance, and excellent problem-solving skills to resolve benefits-related issues. The Sr. Benefits Manager serves as the process expert who maintains benefits procedures, coordinates vendor relationships, manages enrollment processes, and ensures seamless benefits operations. They will also manage the day-to-day activities of 3 direct reports, managing and prioritizing shifting workloads.  This role emphasizes operational excellence, process improvement, and consistent execution of benefits administration while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Manage day-to-day benefits administration processes and systems
• Coordinate vendor relationships and serve as primary point of contact for benefits providers and third-party administrators.
• Oversee annual benefits enrollment processes, including system setup, employee communications, and troubleshooting support.
• Responsible for ensuring benefits procedures and documentation are accurate, consistent, and up to date across all benefit programs.
• Support the benefits team by guiding complex cases and escalated employee inquiries.
• Manage and lead the Benefits COE delivery team by prioritizing workloads, assigning tasks, and ensuring consistent execution of responsibilities.
• Implement process improvements to streamline benefits administration and enhance service delivery.
• Own the benefit invoicing process - Review, audit, and process vendor invoices to ensure charges are supported and aligned with contractual terms and payment requirements, reconcile claims activity, eligibility files, and payroll deductions to identify discrepancies, resolve variances, and partner with Finance, Payroll, and external vendors to address billing and payment issues accurately and on time.
• Analyze billing and claims trends, maintaining strong financial controls, and partnering closely with Finance to ensure timely payments, accurate reconciliation, and clear support for business units, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

• Conduct comprehensive benefits utilization analysis and trend forecasting to identify optimization opportunities.
• Prepare and leverage cost-benefit analyses to inform and recommend program changes, vendor selections, and plan design modifications.
• Generate executive-level reports and dashboards to communicate benefits metrics, financial performance, and strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Leverage advanced data analytics to benchmark benefits programs against industry standards to identify competitive advantages and recommendations.
• Monitor key performance indicators and translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for leadership decision-making.

• Oversee and manage the benefits administration system (Benefitplace) - hands-on configuration of enrollments, deductions, employee records, and communication; ensure feeds to vendors and associated transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Manage file feeds between HRIS, payroll systems, and third-party vendors, ensuring timely and accurate data transmissions, and perform Quarterly Audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including ACA reporting, COBRA notifications, and required disclosures.
• Responsible for benefits system testing for updates and enhancements to ensure functionality before deployment.
• Maintain detailed process documentation and standard operating procedures for all benefits administration tasks.

What YOU need to be successful:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive hands-on benefits administration experience with demonstrated process ownership and system proficiency; minimum 2 years of experience leading a team in the delivery of benefits programs
• Strong working knowledge of SuccessFactors or other HRIS platforms. Proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, and data management tools.
• Demonstrated experience managing benefits processes.
• Working knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other federal and state benefits regulations with the ability to execute required compliance activities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate benefits records, audit system data, reconcile discrepancies, and generate standard reports.
• Solid understanding of federal and state benefits regulations with hands-on experience processing compliance requirements and required notifications
• Solid understanding of 401(k) administration processes including enrollment support, loan processing, and basic compliance tasks.
• Strong troubleshooting skills to resolve benefits issues, answer employee questions, and coordinate with vendors to address system or coverage problems.

• Professional certifications such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-CP, PHR, or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).
• Experience with self-funded health plan administration, including claims processing, stop-loss coordination, and monthly reconciliations.
• Advanced Excel skills including macros, Power Query, or database experience for complex data analysis and reporting.

• Efficient in AI system (copilot) integration in day to day activities.
• Familiarity with benefits vendor portals and ability to quickly learn new technology platforms.
• Experience supporting wellness programs, voluntary benefits, or flexible spending account administration.

This position involves access to export-controlled technology and therefore requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A 'U.S. Person,' as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status.

What WE offer:

401K with company match and immediate vesting

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Disability

PTO

Tuition Assistance

Life and Accidental Death Insurance

Development and Career Growth Opportunities

 Remote work schedule

It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We're proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's through our differences that innovative changes are made.

ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101