Principal Benefits Consultant

About Blue Cross

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is one of the most recognized and trusted health care brands in the world with 2.5 million members. We're committed to reinventing health care to improve health for our members and the community. We hope you'll join us.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN is hiring a Principal Benefits Consultant in Eagan, MN. This position is responsible for the design, development and administration of benefit programs and policies in alignment with our strategic plan. This position may focus on managing the following programs: medical, dental, vision, wellness, COBRA, retiree benefits, 401k, cash balance, leave of absence (STD, LTD, other), workers compensation, life insurance, relocation, and executive benefits. This position also ensures plan compliance with all federal, state and local regulations while also acting as a team lead.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of Benefits experience where they have led end-to-end Benefits projects/initiatives, including Open Enrollment.

This is a hybrid role and will require 2 days a week onsite in Eagan, MN.

A Day in the Life:

• Acts as a team lead and guides team members on work related to programs the position is responsible for.  Acts as a subject matter expert and coach to team members.

• Drives program development and execution. Researches, designs, recommends, and implements new or revised benefit programs and policies working with internal and external partners.

• Administers benefit programs such as: medical, dental, vision, wellness, COBRA, retiree benefits, leave of absence (STD, LTD, other), workers compensation, life insurance, relocation, and executive benefits.

• Consults with HR partners and the business on benefit items to meet various business needs. Provides analysis to help support decisions. Develops and implements comprehensive employee and executive communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits programs and help employees and executives take action.

• Actively looks for opportunities to improve the employee experience and streamline processes. Prepares and/or obtains and reviews all necessary reports and benefit plan documents to assure compliance with applicable government rules and regulations and timeliness of all filings.

• Provides training and support to team members and HR colleagues to ensure the team is able to respond to questions and can administer benefit programs per plan documents and government regulations.

• Leads annual benefits enrollment for employees including system administration, employee communication, and training.

• Oversees relationships with benefits vendors, carriers, and service providers.

• Support, when needed, the administration of retirement plans including 401k and cash balance plans.

Nice to Have:

• Bachelor's Degree.

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation or Certified Benefits Profession (CBP) designation preferred.

Required Skills and Experiences:

• 7+ years of related professional (Benefits Administration) experience. All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated ability to design and administer benefit programs in a cost-effective manner to align with business objectives.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates while acting as a lead.

• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills and a thorough knowledge of plan designs.

• Current knowledge of market trends and all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements affecting employee benefit programs.

• Effectively communicates, consults and collaborates with colleagues and all levels of management.

• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.

• Excellent project management and process development skills to efficiently manage competing demands and a wide variety of activities and projects.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, Vlookup).

• Comfortable working with Workday.

Role Designation:

Hybrid Remote

Role designation definition: Teleworking is working full time remote. Hybrid is a combination of working onsite and remotely. Onsite is full-time onsite.

Make a difference

Blue Cross is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability: If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to talent.acquisition@bluecrossmn.com.

All roles require a high school diploma (or equivalency) and legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.